** Ituri and the shadow of militias: between ambushes and challenges at local trade **
On the night of February 22, the territory of Djugu, in Ituri, found itself again under the yoke of fear and uncertainty. Militians from the Codeco group have orchestrated ambushes targeting public transport vehicles on strategic roads, highlighting a disturbing increase in insecurity. This incident is not isolated, but is added to a long list of violence that tarnishes the daily lives of the inhabitants of this region, however rich in resources.
The facts reported by local and secure sources reveal a repetitive scheme: ambushes on high road sections for the local economy, such as national road number 27, a crucial axis connecting Bunia to other destinations. During these attacks, militiamen not only stripped the passengers of their property, including a substantial sum of up to US $ 1,850, but also sought to establish a climate of anxiety which hinders, by ricochet, the operation of the operation of local companies.
The dynamics of insecurity is not unique at Ituri, but represents a broader facet of a persistent crisis in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where armed groups often flourish due to the absence of strong governance and effective state structures. By analyzing statistics of armed violence in the region, it is relevant to note that Ituri records one of the highest rates of security incidents in Central Africa, increasing the feeling of abandonment felt by the populations.
Beyond physical abuses, these violence has a devastating economic impact. The roads, often considered as the arteries of life of a country, are transformed into danger zones, thus preventing crucial trade for the survival of local households. Civil society reacted forcefully by requesting a more effective military intervention to ensure the security of citizens. It is essential to understand that the state’s response cannot be limited to a military presence, but must also include socio-economic solutions to restore the trust and resilience of communities.
It is interesting to study the actions taken by other countries faced with similar challenges. Let us take an example from the case of Guatemala which, in the 2000s, managed to reduce violence thanks to a strategy combining both the strengthening of the security forces and the launch of economic development programs in the affected regions. In parallel, community initiatives have emerged to encourage local cohesion and allow residents to regain control of their environment.
In this sense, the response to the climbing of Ituri’s violence could involve a multi-sectoral approach. Beyond the armed forces, this could include initiatives for supporting small businesses, education programs for young people and improving basic infrastructure. NGOs and humanitarian actors play an essential role in such steps, but their action must be supported by a strong political commitment.
In conclusion, although the situation in Djugu is worrying, it also offers an opportunity: that of revisiting security strategies in favor of an integrated approach that takes into account social and economic realities. The return to a normal life involves not only the repression of militias, but also through the emancipation of citizens through economic prosperity and actionable peace. It is time for the State to be fully aware of this need for a paradigm shift and listens to the cries of a people who want to live in security. The path will be long, but a road paved with development and security promises may well be the first step towards a better future for Ituri.