The security situation in Ituri province, located in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, remains worrying as violence continues to rage. Local civil society has reported a series of brutal killings, with more than thirty civilians killed in the last six days alone, from February 12 to 20, 2024.
The coordinator of civil society in Ituri, Dieudonné Lossa, expresses his concern about the inaction of the Congolese authorities in the face of this escalation of violence. He calls on the government and raises questions about its responsibilities regarding the protection of local populations. Lossa insists on the need for an adequate and rapid response to put an end to these massacres and bring the culprits to justice.
The province of Ituri is going through a period of persistent insecurity, marked by the activity of various armed groups, both local and foreign, who terrorize civilians. The local population, already tested by years of conflict, expects concrete measures from the authorities to restore peace and ensure their security.
It is crucial that investigations are carried out to identify and punish those responsible for these heinous acts. Impunity cannot be tolerated in the face of such atrocities which cause unacceptable suffering to the population.
The seriousness of the situation in Ituri requires urgent and coordinated action on the part of the Congolese government, in collaboration with local and international actors, to put an end to this spiral of violence and ensure the protection of innocent civilians.
In short, the security crisis in Ituri is a stark reminder of the challenges facing the DRC and highlights the need for a collective and effective response to preserve the peace and security of local populations.