This Tuesday, November 5, the village of Makidhi, located in the Walendu Bindi chiefdom, was the scene of a bloody attack perpetrated by fighters of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). The attack unfortunately cost the life of the village chief and several civilians were injured, while homes were reduced to ashes by the attackers.
This tragedy plunged the local community into fear and anger. National MP Pitshou Iribi, representing the Irumu territory, strongly condemned this barbaric act and called on the authorities to take urgent measures to protect the population. He also recalled the importance of setting up the Armed Defense Reserve (RAD) in order to strengthen security in the region and counter terrorist groups that sow terror.
This attack comes just weeks after the Congolese (FARDC) and Ugandan (UPDF) armed forces bombed ADF positions in the Mont Oyo forest. These operations led to the release of more than a hundred hostages held by the attackers, demonstrating the effectiveness of regional cooperation in the fight against terrorism.
In the face of this resurgence of violence, it is imperative that the Congolese authorities step up their efforts to protect civilians and ensure security in the Irumu region. The international community must also provide increased support to the Congolese security forces in their fight against armed groups and contribute to the stabilization of the Great Lakes region.
Ultimately, the tragedy that befell the village of Makidhi is a stark reminder of the need to strengthen regional and international cooperation to end the violence and insecurity plaguing eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Urgent action is needed to protect civilian populations and ensure a future of peace and prosperity for all.