### Codeco ambushes: mirror of a multidimensional crisis in Ituri
On February 12, 2023, the province of Ituri, in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, was once again the scene of spectacular ambushes orchestrated by the militiamen of the Codeco group. One more tragic event in this region where violence plays the daily life of populations. If the media often focuses on the immediate impact of these attacks, it is essential to dwell on the socio-economic and political dimensions that feed this crisis.
** Exponential insecurity: inventory **
The events of Kpengbele and Katoto-Largu are not isolated cases. They are part of a continuous where insecurity has become the norm. According to official figures, the conflict in Ituri caused more than 1,000 people in 2022, with thousands of other displaced. Codeco’s operating mode, which consists of attacking public transport vehicles, reflects a strategically malicious development: disturbing commercial activities. A dynamic that feeds on fertile soil: endemic poverty and the absence of state presence in certain areas.
** The economic consequences: a paralyzed economy **
Beyond the immediate trauma for the victims, these ambushes have a paralyzing effect on the local economy. Testimonies from civil society reveal that these incidents reduce the ability of merchants to source. The losses, although difficult to quantify precisely, represent a considerable sum for households which already live under the poverty line. To fully understand the magnitude of the situation, it is relevant to recall that 73.6 % of Congolese live with less than one dollar per day, according to the latest estimates from the World Bank. In such a context, each dollar lost due to armed crime has an impact multiply on the local economy.
** The challenges of protection: an appeal to the army not heard **
The growing frustration of populations in the face of the inability of the police to secure the roads turns into a cry of despair. The army’s promises to protect civilians seem to be a distant memory. The absence of a clear and effective strategy leaves the population at the mercy of armed groups, whose motivations are often as vague as their hierarchy. This situation raises questions about the role of the State in the protection of its citizens. How can an army, whose mission is the protection of populations, fail so systematically to contain such acts?
We must also consider that the responsibility of the State is not limited to the security aspect. It is also a question of creating economic opportunities, improving infrastructure and restoring essential public services. As long as the structural bases are not solidified, groups like Codeco will continue to thrive in despair and impunity.
** Regard to the future: the role of community initiatives **
While the situation seems desperate, certain community initiatives emerging in the field stand out. These local movements, although often fragile, work to establish community security mechanisms. They try to strengthen the resilience of populations in the face of violence by developing economic synergies between the villagers. It is crucial that these initiatives find the support of international organizations and NGOs. Not only to ensure their survival, but also to cause long -term lasting transformations.
** Conclusion: A call to reflection: Ituri, solutions laboratory? **
Codeco’s ambush on February 12 is a disturbing echo of a complex and multidimensional human crisis. The daily martyrs that are taxi passengers should not become simple figures. It is time to see beyond acts of violence and to engage in a strategic reflection on the deep causes of this insecurity. Releasing Ituri from its spiral of violence requires a holistic approach, including security, economic development and responsible governance.
The region may well become an innovative laboratory where solutions from bottom to up, materialized by resilient communities, would redefine the political, social and economic landscape. Hope remains, but it must be fueled by concrete and supported actions, where the voices of the inhabitants of Ituri are heard and valued.