For several years, the city of Beni and its surroundings, located in the province of North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo, have been facing growing insecurity. This worrying situation was recently addressed by the Organization of Women Lawyers for the Rights of Women and Children. Isabelle Namwezi, a member of this organization, expressed her concern during the celebration of the International Day of Peace.
According to Isabelle Namwezi, the insecurity that reigns in Beni directly impacts the lives of women. They are forced to withdraw into themselves, which prevents them from undertaking activities to provide for the needs of their family. Many of them lost their husbands in the massacres taking place in the region. The women of Beni, who were once active in small businesses and agriculture, now live in constant fear of ambushes and attacks.
Faced with this situation, the Organization of Women Lawyers asks the authorities and their partners to do everything possible to put an end to insecurity in Beni and its surroundings. They emphasize the importance of restoring peace in the region, thus allowing women to live in secure conditions and resume their economic activities.
Two weeks ago, a group of women from Beni were trained on techniques and strategies to combat insecurity. This initiative aimed to involve women in the restoration of peace and give them tools to face the challenges of insecurity.
It is essential that the different armed forces present in the region come together to hunt down the enemies of peace and restore security in Beni. The women of Beni aspire to live in peace, like their compatriots in the west of the country.
The insecurity in Beni cannot be ignored. It is essential that the authorities continue to put in place effective measures to protect the population and restore peace in the region. Women, as agents of change, must be involved in these efforts in order to rebuild their future and that of their families.
The fight against insecurity in Beni is a major issue for North Kivu and for the Democratic Republic of Congo as a whole. The stabilization of this region is essential for the economic and social development of the country. It is therefore imperative that the efforts of all stakeholders are coordinated and supported in order to achieve lasting stability and genuine peace in Beni and its surroundings.