The security situation remains worrying in the diocese of PopoKabaka in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Mobondo militiamen still operate with impunity in villages where the presence of law enforcement and security forces is almost non-existent.
These armed militiamen are increasing extortion and violence against civilian populations. During their last visit to a convent of Jesuit priests in Iniangi village, they demanded a cow and the sum of 200,000 FC in addition to harassing anyone who did not have a voter’s card.
The vice-president of the Kwango civil society consultation framework, Symphorien Kwango, confirmed this information on the news site ACTUALITE.CD. According to him, the Mobondo took the Jesuit priests hostage and forced them to give them what they wanted.
The provincial government has promised to increase the number of law enforcement and security officers in the region. However, civil society organizations are calling for immediate intervention to protect civilian populations from the abuses of these armed militias, which continue to operate with impunity.
In this region plagued by insecurity, the situation is critical in some villages where people live in fear of armed militias. Human rights organizations call for urgent intervention to protect these populations and fight against the impunity of armed groups.
In the DRC, violence by armed militias is common in several provinces of the country. It is urgent that the Congolese authorities take measures to protect civilian populations and restore peace and security throughout the country.