In the troubled region of Irumu, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, civilians are once again being targeted by armed militias. Despite the ceasefire agreements signed by the leaders of the armed groups FPIC and FRPI, the atrocities against the population are increasing, causing fear and distress among the inhabitants.
The actions of these militias are intolerable. Civilians are victims of extortion, cattle theft, arbitrary arrests and all kinds of violence. The inhabitants are forced to leave their homes, to flee the atrocities committed by uncontrolled groups whose practices are closer to banditry than the fight for ideals.
The barriers erected by the FPIC to extort money from road users, the arbitrary arrests, the extortions, all this contributes to sowing terror among the populations already severely affected by decades of armed conflict. It is high time that these armed groups respect the commitments made and stop terrorizing civilians who only ask to live in peace.
Local authorities are sounding the alarm. Colonel Siro Simba, administrator of the Irumu territory, calls on militia leaders to respect their ceasefire promises and put an end to these inhumane practices. He warns the militiamen of the consequences of their actions, warning them that those who do not respect their commitments will be brought to justice.
The cattle theft perpetrated by FRPI militiamen in several chiefdoms in the region only worsens the precarious situation of the inhabitants. It is imperative that these armed groups cease their criminal activities and await the launch of disarmament and reintegration programs initiated to restore peace and security in the region.
Faced with the distress of the populations, it is more necessary than ever for the international community to support the efforts of the Congolese authorities to put an end to this violence and finally allow the inhabitants of Irumu to rebuild their lives in serenity. Peace and security must be absolute priorities so that the region can finally escape this spiral of senseless violence.