### The repercussions of ADF violence on agriculture and the return of populations in Ituri
The security situation in the Walese Vonkutu chiefdom, south of the territory of Irumu in Ituri, is alarming. At least 70 lives have been lost since the beginning of the year because of the attacks on the rebels of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), fueling a cycle of violence that hit rural communities harshly, in particular farmers who try to find a normal life After years of conflict.
In a report published on February 24 by local civil society, disturbing details emerge: the majority of victims are farmers, individuals who, despite the risks, had chosen to return to their villages of origin. This will, often symbolized by the native land, comes up against a cruel reality today. House fires and systematic looting exacerbate the vulnerability of a population already experienced by war.
#### Increased vulnerability of farmers
It is vital to understand the essential role of farmers in the Irumu region. This territory is often considered to be the attic of the province, where a large part of the population depends on agriculture for its food and its livelihoods. However, with the increase in ADF attacks, the need for security to carry out agricultural activities has become essential.
The NGO Human Rights Watch has documented similar cases around the world: when farmers are pushed to leave their land due to violence, this not only leads to local economic destabilization, but also the creation of famine areas and malnutrition. In Walese Vonkutu, these dynamics take on a tragic dimension. The UN points out that the food situation in Ituri is worrying, with a prevalence of malnutrition in children who could reach alarming heights if the situation continues.
#### Comparison with other regions in crisis
To draw a parallel, we can evoke the situation in the Central African Republic or in South Sudan, where similar armed groups disrupt the lives of farmers. In these contexts, the figures for displaced people who are suffering from hunger are constantly increasing, strengthening the idea that armed insecurity is directly associated with the humanitarian crisis.
However, the situation in Ituri has an additional dimension: the return of displaced populations. The past conflicts, often marked by massacres, have generated mistrust within the communities, and many of those who returned did so with the hope of rebuilding what had been lost. However, their hope is often showered by the return of violence, as shown by whole localities which are again occupied by the ADF.
#### a necessary holistic approach
Aligned with the principles of resilience, solutions can only be multifaceted. The need for a security response is undeniable, but it should not be the only concern. Parallel efforts must be made to support agriculture, through education, training and direct aid programs. The UN and other international organizations could expand their field of action by ensuring both security and economic recovery.
It is also crucial for the international community to engage beyond speeches. Concrete policies that promote return to peace, while providing humanitarian assistance on the ground, are vital to restore the dignity of local populations.
### Conclusion
The situation at Walese Vonkutu is a tragedy that illustrates how violence and agriculture are intimately linked in a cycle of violence and poverty. While the world strives to contain humanitarian crises, it is imperative to keep in mind that behind each figure hides a story, a life and a community. The voices of the thousands of farmers whose life is disrupted should become the center of any strategy aimed at restoring peace and rebuilding a lasting future in Ituri.