Title: Intercommunity dialogue in Mambasa: a step towards peace and social cohesion
Introduction :
The territory of Mambasa, located in the province of Ituri, is the scene of inter-community tensions that impact the peaceful cohabitation between the five indigenous communities: the pygmies, the Bombo, the Ngwana, the Bila and the Lesse. With the aim of restoring peace and fostering sustainable social cohesion, the local authorities, with the support of the NGO Interpeace, initiated an intra-community dialogue. This meeting aims to create a space for discussion and resolution of the differences that divide the communities.
The climate of mistrust:
The main facilitator of the dialogue, Samuel Levi, stresses the importance of eradicating the climate of mistrust that reigns among the members of the different communities of Mambasa. By promoting dialogue, it is possible to break down barriers and promote mutual trust. This will not only restore peace, but also guarantee harmonious cohabitation between the different communities.
The issues addressed:
During these meetings, various questions will be addressed. First of all, the worrying security situation with the growing presence of ADF rebels in the region. Participants will be invited to think about solutions to counter this threat and protect local populations.
Then, the question of the sharing of natural resources will also be examined. Mambasa being a region rich in mineral resources, it is important to establish equitable and transparent mechanisms for their exploitation, in order to prevent conflicts between communities.
Finally, aspects related to the conservation of the Okapi Wildlife Reserve will be discussed during the dialogue. This is a crucial issue to ensure the preservation of biodiversity and the sustainable development of the region.
The initiative hailed:
The administrator of the Mambasa territory, Colonel Jean-Baptiste Munyampanzi, welcomes this initiative for inter-community dialogue. He stresses that it complements the efforts made by the government to restore peace in the region. He is convinced that the active participation of members of the five communities will be decisive in achieving lasting solutions.
Conclusion :
The inter-community dialogue initiated in Mambasa is an important step in restoring peace and social cohesion in this region of Ituri. By bringing together sons and daughters from different communities, it provides a framework for discussion and resolution of differences. The objective is to build peaceful cohabitation based on mutual trust and respect for everyone’s rights. This dialogue will address crucial issues such as security, resource sharing and environmental protection. By fostering understanding and collaboration between communities, this initiative paves the way for a more harmonious future for Mambasa.