Article: The tragic explosion in the village of Lubwe Sud: a new illustration of insecurity in North Kivu
On the night of Wednesday to Thursday July 20, an explosion of an improvised explosive device killed nine people and injured a dozen others in the village of Lubwe Sud, in the Tongo groupement, located in North Kivu. The explosive was allegedly left inadvertently by a militiaman calling himself “Mzalendo”, translating to “patriot” in French. This region is particularly mined due to the activism of armed groups and the M23 war.
Isaac Kibira, Deputy Delegate of the Governor in the Bwito Chiefdom, warned of the need for a demining operation in the region, given the presence of improvised explosive devices scattered along the front lines where the FARDC, Wazalendo and M23 are in conflict. The population thus finds itself in constant danger and lives in great insecurity.
According to civil society sources, around 30 people have lost their lives in the past week in the Tongo groupement, during clashes between self-defense militias and the M23 rebellion. This worrying situation raises questions about the ineffectiveness of the regional force of the EAC (East African Community) present in the region.
Patrick Nguka, coordinator of Badilika, a human rights NGO, denounces the government’s lack of action to protect its population and calls on the army to fulfill its mission of safeguarding the integrity of the national territory. He also points out that the arrival of the EAC regional force has not improved the situation on the ground, despite the hopes placed in it.
This tragic explosion in the village of South Lubwe highlights an alarming reality: persistent insecurity and clashes between armed groups continue to put the lives of local populations at risk. It is urgent that concrete measures be taken to ensure the safety of these communities and to clear the areas at risk.
The situation in North Kivu must be a priority for the Congolese government and the international community. It is imperative to put an end to the violence and to work for a real stabilization of the region. Only collective action, involving local authorities, security forces and international organizations, can guarantee the safety and well-being of the inhabitants of North Kivu