The night of Tuesday to Wednesday, December 3, 2025, was marked by another act of looting in the Irumu territory, Ituri province.
More than 70 cows were stolen by suspected militiamen from the FPIC “Chini ya Kilima” armed group in Chabusiku, a village in the Tseré groupement within the Bahema chiefdom.
Despite being a signatory to the Aru II Peace Commitment, this group continues to terrorize multiple villages, undermining ongoing stabilization efforts in this part of Ituri.
Reacting to the situation, Jacob Asimwe Matele, a Republican Opposition political figure and member of the ARCHE party of Hon. Gratien Iracan de Saint Nicolas, expressed deep indignation and denounced a blatant violation of peace agreements.
“This is not just cattle theft; it is an act of war against innocent civilians who already live in fear and neglect,” he said in an official statement.
Four Urgent Calls to Action
Jacob Asimwe addressed all levels of responsibility with four urgent appeals:
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To military and civilian authorities: Conduct a swift and impartial investigation, apprehend the perpetrators, punish the guilty, and ensure justice for the affected herders.
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To the provincial and national government: Strengthen security in vulnerable rural areas, restore state authority, and sanction any armed group that violates signed agreements.
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To MONUSCO and international partners: Actively support peacekeeping operations, revive Disarmament, Demobilization, and Community Reintegration (PDDRCS) initiatives, and assist loyalist forces on the ground.
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To local communities: Avoid any form of intercommunal retaliation, remain calm, prioritize dialogue, and collaborate with authorities to identify troublemakers.
According to Jacob Asimwe, “The inaction of institutions in the face of rising insecurity fuels citizen frustration. It is time for the government to turn words into action.”
He concluded that the Republican Opposition remains committed to justice, peace, and the protection of the fundamental rights of all Congolese people, reaffirming its role as a democratic watchdog amid ongoing suffering in rural communities.
Ugen rwoth Salomon