The province of Ituri, in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, was again the scene of an attack by the rebels of the Democratic and Allied Forces (ADF). The attack in the localities of Mutuweyi, Makanga and Bekembela claimed several victims, whose toll is revised upwards.
According to the human rights activist, Christophe Munyanderu, the victims were shot dead during their rural activities in an area which would be infested by terrorists. In addition, the rebels took civilians hostage in the same attack. Christophe Munyanderu called on the population to be vigilant by avoiding this area and called on the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) to continue tracking down the ADF.
This attack calls into question the ability of the Congolese armed forces to secure the populations and to deal with the armed groups still active in the region. The Ituri region has been the scene of recurrent attacks by the ADF and other armed groups for several years, resulting in massive population displacements and numerous deaths.
It is time for the government to take strong measures to restore security in the region and protect civilians. The security challenges facing the DRC must be met with determination and efficiency in order to guarantee the security of the populations, the stability and the economic, social and environmental development of the country.