In the Lubero region of North Kivu, a worrying situation is attracting attention: more than 40 agents of the Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Recovery and Stabilization Program (PDDRC-S) have been on a sit-in for three weeks to demand their unpaid salaries for 23 months. Despite this difficult financial situation, these courageous agents continue to provide a minimum service for the community, thus demonstrating their commitment to the pacification of the region.
Mumbere Mugheni Amini, Head of the Outreach, Communication and Media Department, noted that the PDDRC-S agents in Lubero, as well as the city of Butembo, are determined to continue their protest action until they obtain their legitimate rights. This situation raises crucial questions about the recognition and valorization of the work of these agents who are fully invested in the stability and recovery of their community.
The demand of the agents in the sit-in is clear: they are demanding the payment of their salaries and are seeking the support of PDDRC-S partners as well as the international community to assert their rights. This mobilization has not weakened despite the dismissal of the national coordinator, Father Jean-Bosco Bahala, on the instructions of the Head of State. This determination demonstrates the unwavering will of these agents to make their voices heard and not to be forgotten in this legitimate quest for recognition and remuneration for their valuable work.
The situation of the PDDRC-S agents in the sit-in raises broader questions about the precariousness of certain humanitarian and peace missions, and highlights the challenges faced by field actors despite their commitment and dedication. It is essential that their work be valued and that the necessary resources be allocated to them to carry out their crucial missions for the stability and recovery of communities affected by conflict.
In conclusion, the action of the PDDRC-S agents in the sit-in in Lubero not only shows their courage and determination, but also underlines the importance of recognizing and supporting these humanitarian and peace actors in their essential mission. It is imperative that their legitimate demands are heard and that concrete solutions are quickly found to guarantee the payment of their salaries and ensure the continuity of their actions in favor of the pacification and recovery of communities affected by conflicts.