The NGO Justice Plus recently published its quarterly report on the human rights situation in the province of Ituri, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The figures are alarming, with more than 50 cases of murder recorded between July and September 2023.
This report highlights the various human rights violations plaguing the province, including killings, robberies, extortion, kidnappings and burning of houses. These acts of violence are mainly attributable to the defense and security forces as well as the various militias present in the region, such as the ADF.
Among the most notable cases, we can cite the shooting that occurred during a wake in Nyakove, near Tchomia, where 13 people lost their lives following the intervention of an angry FARDC soldier.
Justice Plus collected this information both from its local partners in Bunia and from its collaborators on the ground. The NGO recommends to the government to accelerate the process of installing PDDRCS (Demobilization, Disarmament, Reintegration and Community Reintegration Program), as well as to increase the number of mobile hearings so that those responsible for these human rights violations man are punished.
To put an end to this rise in insecurity, Justice Plus also calls on the government to commit to removing illegal barriers that proliferate throughout Ituri province. The organization also suggests that soldiers and police officers who engage in acts of harassment against the population be brought to justice.
It is important to emphasize that many localities in Ituri remain affected by the activism of armed groups, which requires urgent action by the authorities to guarantee the security of residents and restore peace in the region.
In short, the human rights situation in Ituri province is critical. It is imperative that concrete measures are taken to end the violence and punish those responsible for these heinous acts. The NGO Justice Plus continues to advocate for the protection of the fundamental rights of Ituri residents and to pressure the government to act accordingly.