In a remote corner of the Haut-Uele province, in the heart of the Democratic Republic of Congo, a scene worthy of an action movie took place on the night of Tuesday, December 24 to Wednesday, December 25, 2024. Armed men, like shadows of the night, spectacularly entered a gold buying counter, within the Kima Tika Mbongo (KTM) mining site.
The story takes place on the Mayi Mpembe Vie na Vie construction site, in the village of Watsa Moke, a place that is probably little frequented and isolated. The violence of the attack is highlighted, as six individuals dressed in civilian clothes and motorized stormed the counter. Their loot? A considerable sum exceeding 2,700,000 Congolese francs, 15 grams of gold and several telephones, symbols of their brief passage.
The testimonies collected from the Civil Society of Solidarity of Congo, territorial coordination of Watsa, highlight the horror and brutality of the incident. Jean-Pierre Atsidri Adroma, coordinator, recounts the arrogance of the attackers, injuring a vendor and leaving behind an atmosphere of chaos and indignation. The detonations of gunshots still echo in the darkness of the night, silent witnesses of their frantic flight.
The impact of such violence cannot be minimized. Beyond the financial losses, a climate of fear and insecurity is taking hold in the Watsa region. Jean-Pierre Atsidri Adroma then calls on the competent authorities, inviting them to take concrete measures to guarantee the safety of residents and economic actors in this area. Increased vigilance is also advocated, encouraging the population to report any suspicious activity and to remain united in the face of these challenges.
In this period of end-of-year festivities, where the warmth of reunions should prevail, it is a sad observation of the shadow that is part of the daily life of the inhabitants of Watsa. The quest for peace and stability becomes more urgent than ever, recalling the fragility of social balances and the need for increased solidarity. Let us hope that the light will eventually dispel this darkness, offering this wounded community a more serene and secure future.