The territory of Wamba in the Haut-Uélé province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has come to a standstill as residents stage a two-day strike to protest the increasing insecurity in the area. The strike, called by the civil society, affects all socio-economic activities, with schools, garages, and other businesses closed. This action is a response to the repeated attacks, lootings, and kidnappings attributed to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels.
According to local sources, armed men have been making frequent incursions into nearby villages, pillaging shops, stealing livestock, and kidnapping civilians, including children aged 7 to 15 and adults forced to transport looted goods into the bush. Seven villages have been targeted, with a preliminary report indicating around 80 people have been taken by force and over 300 heads of cattle stolen since the attacks began months ago.
The civil society in Wamba has expressed frustration over the continued degradation of security in their area, calling for urgent intervention from provincial and national authorities. Patrick Ambaisso, coordinator of the Civil Society of Congo in Wamba, voiced the population's despair, stating that despite their pleas, the situation remains dire with children and adults being taken and no visible action from authorities.
In response to the crisis, the FARDC (Forces Armées de la République Démocratique du Congo) has assured that it is actively engaged in operations to track down armed groups and restore state authority in the affected areas. The army has also announced the arrest of Siragi Kitenda, alias Suruganda, a presumed intelligence officer of the ADF, following an incursion on November 9 where 80 cows were stolen.
The arrest of Siragi Kitenda was made by soldiers of the 34th Infantry Brigade, and according to Captain July Kinshiere, spokesperson for Operation Sokola 1 in Haut-Uélé, it is part of efforts to combat the ADF rebels. The operation aims to bring the situation under control and provide security to the local population.
The situation in Wamba and surrounding areas remains critical, with thousands displaced and in dire need of assistance. The local population is caught in the midst of this violence, facing threats from ADF rebels and awaiting effective intervention from security forces.
As the strike enters its second day, residents and civil society groups are calling for tangible results from the authorities to address their security concerns and bring perpetrators to justice. The international community is also watching closely, as the situation in the region continues to deteriorate.
Key points
- ADF rebels have been responsible for multiple attacks, kidnappings, and lootings in Wamba territory.
