Title: The threat of Corneille Nangaa in Ituri: a worrying situation which requires concerted action
Introduction :
The province of Ituri in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) faces a new threat, that of Corneille Nangaa Yobeluo, former president of the CENI. Since December 15, 2023, Nangaa has launched a new armed anti-Tshisekedi coalition, known as the “Congo River Alliance”, by joining forces with the March 23 Movement (M23). This situation has raised serious concerns among the Iturian population, already affected by years of socio-political and security unrest. In this article, we will take a close look at this threat and the steps you can take to deal with it.
The worrying situation in Ituri:
Ituri has been the scene of violent conflict and ethnic tensions for many years. The local population, exhausted by the war, is determined not to tolerate further disturbances. Birema Aore Mimie, MP candidate for Mahagi, reacted strongly to Nangaa’s attempt to claim rights to the Njanikodo gold concession, located in the Alur Djuganga chiefdom in Mahagi. She asserts that the Iturian population will not allow Nangaa to smear the names of local reservists and warns him of the consequences of his actions. In addition, she recalls that the “ancestral drone” of the Alur and Lendu monitors the movements of Nangaa and his allies in Ituri.
The need to act:
Faced with this growing threat, it is imperative that the Congolese government take concrete measures to protect the population of Ituri. It is essential to strengthen military numbers and build military camps at strategic locations such as Mount Tawa, Katanga, Gety and Gombari. In addition, collaboration between the population and the security forces is crucial to counter the threat from Nangaa and the M23 in Ituri. It is also important to note that the Njanikodo gold concession rightfully belongs to the Iturians and any attempt to take control must be strongly condemned.
Conclusion :
The threat posed by Corneille Nangaa in Ituri is a situation that requires rapid and concerted action. It is essential that the Congolese government takes steps to strengthen security in the region, by mobilizing military forces and building camps in key areas. The Iturian population must remain vigilant and cooperate with security forces to counter this threat. Preserving peace and stability in Ituri is an absolute priority and requires the commitment of all stakeholders.