**Fight against the ADF: the neglected national priority**
For years, the Beni region in North Kivu has been the scene of deadly attacks by ADF rebels, causing the death of many civilians. The recent resurgence of this violence has sparked indignation and concern within local civil society. Indeed, the death of 30 civilians in the space of a few weeks is an alarming signal that highlights the urgency of action to protect the population.
In this context of persistent insecurity, civil society in Beni deplores the lack of attention and effective measures on the part of the government. The vice-president of this citizen structure, Richard Kirimba, points out a policy of “double standards” in the fight against rebel groups. He emphasizes that while the mobilization against the M23 rebellion monopolizes the attention of the authorities, the deadly attacks by the ADF remain largely neglected.
The people of Beni feel abandoned and sacrificed, victims of destructive violence that is decimating the population. The war against the ADF, responsible for the tragic loss of civilian lives, is relegated to the background, when it should be a national priority. The demand for justice and protection from civil society demonstrates the urgency of responding to this threat hanging over the region.
Faced with this worrying situation, researcher Papy Kasereka calls for concerted and determined action on the part of the government and MONUSCO. He insists on the need to prevent the reorganization of the ADF, to strengthen security means in the area and to intensify patrol operations to counter the rebel threat.
It is imperative that the authorities take into account the voice of civil society in Beni and act decisively to protect vulnerable populations. The lives of the people of this region must be an absolute priority, and the fight against the ADF must be conducted with the same determination as any other military operation.
In conclusion, the alarming situation in Beni underlines the crucial importance of civilian security and the need for urgent action to end the violence by rebel groups. It is time for the authorities to implement concrete and effective measures to protect the population and ensure their security. Unity of action between civil society, the government and the international community is essential to address this threat and preserve peace in the region.