MONUSCO plays active part in the restoration of peace to Lodja

MONUSCO plays active part in the restoration of peace to Lodja. Photo MONUSCO/Laurent Sam OUSSOU

14 Aug 2019

MONUSCO plays active part in the restoration of peace to Lodja

Laurent Sam OUSSOU

The territory of Lodja has been facing violence since the end of Governor’s election in the Sankuru Province last month. The growing insecurity in that area is characterized by killings and destruction of homes; as a result, MONUSCO is busy organizing several activities in a bid to effectively restore the peace in that part of the country.

MONUSCO team deployed in Lodja from 1st to 6th August reported 142 houses torched in Nambelo by individuals allegedly coming from Kondo-Shumbe following the murder of a traditional chief, said witnesses.

The team has organized several conflict resolution trainings and meetings in Lodja with community leaders, amongst others, traditional leaders in Kondo Shumbe, Hiyanja and Kambeguete sectors including the territorial security council, the Lodja civil society organizations as well as representatives of the Tetela communities living in the forest and the savannah as well as religious communities leaders in Lodja.

Firmin Koné, the head of MONUSCO delegation revealed that their intent is to pave the way for the establishment of a broader consultations framework between the clashing parties, the local government and the civil society organizations through structured dialogue that would lead to the end to the conflict.

Altogether 28 recommendations were formulated by participants for an effective return of peace to Lodja. The recommendations were addressed to MONUSCO, the local and national authorities as well as the local civil society organizations.

Medard Elonge Ekonga, the administrator of the Lodja territory highlighted the relevance of the meetings, asking MONUSCO to get further involved in the restoration of peace to Lodja. MONUSCO promptly strengthened its military presence in Lodja through doubling up the number of troops on the ground.