2023-06-04 08:01:42
RUTSHURU – The Kiwanja agglomeration located 70 kilometers north of the city of Goma is going through a difficult time with recurring cases of insecurity: kidnappings, robberies and arbitrary arrests. These are acts perpetrated by the combatants of the M23-Rwandan army coalition despite the presence of Ugandan troops from the force of the Community of East African States (EAC) who jointly occupy this agglomeration.
Bringing together leaders of religious denominations this Thursday, June 1, 2023, the commander of the Ugandan contingent of the EAC requests the support of the population for the success of peacekeeping, one of the missions of this sub-regional force. .
“If the population does not inform us about what is happening, we will not be able to respond effectively to the needs of the inhabitants. We cannot have eyes and ears everywhere, we need the support of the population to put an end to this cycle of insecurity by arresting the perpetrators,” said Colonel Michael Walaka, commander of the Ugandan contingent. This Ugandan officer believes that the leaders of the confessions are well placed to bring more in the search for peace.
Some residents of Kiwanja testify that it is difficult to go to the fields without being harassed by the M23 rebels. The rebels seem to think that a layer of the population is close to the Mai-Mai militiamen.
Kiwanja is one of the localities in Rutshuru territory that are controlled by M23 and their Rwandan army allies. In principle, the rebels should leave these localities to leave them in the hands of the Ugandan contingent of the EAC.
© CongoForum – writing, 04.06.23
Image – source: Congolese press
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