The displaced are returning and peace is being consolidated in Ituri thanks to the joint operations of the Congolese armed forces (FARDC) and the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO). This improvement in security has enabled the return of some displaced persons to the localities of Tchabi and Boga, located in the territory of Irumu. The governor of the province, Lieutenant-General Johnny Luboya, announced these advances during a meeting with the head of MONUSCO, Bintou Keita.
Governor Luboya points out that many localities in the province have seen significant improvements in security, which has led to the return of displaced people to their places of origin. Cases of returns have been recorded in the chiefdoms of Bahema Boga and Banyari Tchabi, in the south of Irumu. In Idohu, where a temporary MONUSCO base had been established and then closed, the displaced have also started to return home.
This progress is the result of the pressure exerted by the FARDC on the armed groups, as well as joint operations carried out by the Congolese forces and the blue helmets of MONUSCO. Community dialogue and collaboration between leaders of armed groups have also contributed to the restoration of peace. Peace protocols have been signed, as in the Aru region, with the aim of consolidating lasting peace.
The Governor and the Head of MONUSCO also recognize the importance of the judicial component in the search for peace. Arrest warrants have been issued against the leaders of the militias, some of them having already been arrested while others have been neutralized by the army. This judicial approach contributes to strengthening the fight against armed groups and to establishing lasting peace in Ituri.
To consolidate the achievements and ensure lasting peace, a joint operations center was created, bringing together the Congolese armed forces and MONUSCO. Governor Luboya and Bintou Keita visited this center, thus demonstrating their joint commitment to reinforce the means already deployed and to put in place new mechanisms to guarantee security and stability in the region.
Thanks to these joint efforts, the security situation is gradually improving in Ituri, allowing the displaced to return to their homes and contributing to the consolidation of peace. However, there are still challenges ahead and continued work will be required to sustain these gains and ensure a peaceful and prosperous future for the people of Ituri Province