North Kivu, the scene of incessant conflicts, has once again witnessed a tragedy. The bombing of the Lushagala displaced persons site by alleged M23 rebels in Goma has sparked indignation and anger among the population and local authorities. This cowardly and barbaric act sowed terror among the innocent civilians who sought refuge in this site.
The government strongly condemned the attack, calling it a war crime. While Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka expressed her outrage, stressing the need to protect civilians from such inhumane acts.
Faced with this escalation of violence, voices were raised to demand concrete measures to protect civilian populations. Jean-Paul Lumbulumbu called for the rehousing of the displaced persons site to more secure locations, in order to avoid new tragedies. He highlighted the fact that the Mugunga site has become a theater of war where civilians are targeted, causing many innocent victims.
For his part, the president of civil society in North Kivu, John Banyene, pleaded for immediate measures aimed at sparing civilians from the consequences of armed clashes in the region. It is time to act to protect vulnerable populations and ensure their safety.
This new tragedy once again raises the need for concerted international action to end the violence plaguing the region. It is imperative that the international community supports the Congolese government’s efforts to bring peace and stability to this conflict-torn region.
Ultimately, the protection of civilians and the displaced must be a top priority. It is time to put an end to the impunity of armed groups who sow terror and desolation among innocent populations. Only collective and determined action can put an end to these atrocities and allow the inhabitants of North Kivu to live in peace and security.