**Call for vigilance from Oicha civil society following the ADF attack**
In a climate of persistent insecurity, civil society in the rural commune of Oicha is raising the urgency for the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) to pay particular attention to security alerts from the local population. This appeal comes following the deadly attack perpetrated by ADF rebels on the night of Tuesday, December 4, resulting in the loss of seven innocent civilian lives.
Isaac Kavalami, the eloquent president of Oicha civil society, expresses his deep disappointment at the reaction of the security authorities to the warnings issued before the attack. The bitter observation of the ignoring of alerts highlights a dysfunction that is detrimental to the protection of the region’s inhabitants.
Committed to defending the rights and security of citizens, Isaac Kavalami urges security officials to take into consideration the seriousness of the threat, both from the ADF and the M23. He stresses the urgency of effective mobilization and warns of the need for increased vigilance in this area in the east of the country.
Concrete examples of successive attacks, such as those of PK20 and recently of Tenambo and Mapiki, as well as persistent rumors in Kokola, reinforce the call for collective awareness. The tragic impact of this violence on the hitherto peaceful population underlines the urgency of the situation and the urgent need for a coordinated and effective response from the competent authorities.
Faced with this growing threat, it is essential to mobilize all actors involved in security and to set up appropriate surveillance systems to prevent new attacks and protect the vulnerable population. The support of the FARDC is essential to restore the confidence of the population and ensure its long-term security.
Oicha civil society is thus launching an urgent appeal for vigilance and solidarity from all in the face of this persistent threat, recalling that the security of each individual contributes to that of the entire community. This courageous stance underlines the crucial importance of civic engagement in preserving peace and security in the region.
While waiting for an official reaction from the FARDC, it is imperative to remain mobilized and united in the face of this threat weighing on the local population. The unity and cooperation of all will be essential to meet the security challenge and guarantee a safer future for all the inhabitants of Oicha and its surroundings.