DRC: in the territory of Djugu, the population is approaching Monusco for more security
Audio 02:16
A peacekeeper on patrol in the town of Lita, in the Djugu region of Ituri, in 2018. (Illustration image) © ALEX MCBRIDE / AFP
By: Patient Ligodi Follow
6 min
In the territory of Djugu, Ituri province, the militiamen of the Cooperative for the Development of Congo (Codeco) are still sowing terror.
This movement, which is today among the most violent, has split into several small groups illustrated by killings, acts of harassment and extortion.
In Roe, the local population fled the villages and approached the Monusco base, hoping for more safety.
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With his face closed, his clothes in tatters, Vianga is among the displaced persons of Roe.
A few days ago, he could not imagine finding himself in these conditions and on this hill with thousands of other people from several villages in the region.
Alerted by neighbors to the arrival of these armed men, Vianga did not even have time to collect some effects.
He, his wife and eight children left the village overnight.
“
I come from Tsi, near Lake Albert.
I fled armed violence, I fled war.
This is why I am here with my children.
I have a lot of children in this cabin.
I was kicked out.
After four days, here I am
, ”says Vianga.
He followed several other displaced people.
They didn't have a lot of choice, and they end up here.
“
We are going to stay here, near Monusco.
This is where there is security.
I will not be leaving here.
Safety is here,
”he says.
► To read also: In Djugu, where insecurity persists, the population seeks the protection of MONUSCO
Difficult living conditions
The displaced people who are here are struggling.
Some engage in field work just outside the camp, but again, it is at their own risk.
Mariam has six children.
“
We are victims of this situation, even when we go to the field we are raped.
We cannot find food for our children.
We have no solution to feed our children.
We lack everything here,
”laments Mariam.
There are many needs here.
The situation of children is of particular concern.
In the alleys of the camp, between the huts which follow one another, girls and boys run in all directions.
They have no other occupations.
► To read also: Monusco will refocus in the east of the country
Among them is Victor's little boy.
“
My heart is aching.
I can't even send my children to school.
I really can't afford it.
What I ask the president is that he do his best to stop the violence and we will be happy,
”hopes Victor.
To strengthen the fight against these armed groups, Félix Tshisekedi announced that he will reform the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) program.
It remains to develop a credible action plan and find the means.
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