Calm Gradually Returns to Several Localities in Djugu

A noticeable calm has settled over several localities in Djugu territory, Ituri province, over the last two weeks, following months of insecurity. Residents are tentatively resuming their daily routines, though a degree of hesitation persists regarding the return of displaced populations.

Areas such as Walendu Tatsi, Pitsi, and Bahema Nord are among those experiencing improved security. This reduction in violence has facilitated a gradual revival of socio-economic life. Movement has resumed on key road networks, including routes connecting Largu, Blukwa, Tché, Saliboko, and Katoto, enabling people to re-engage in farming and commerce.

"People are returning to the bush to cultivate and harvest," said Charité Banza, a local civil society actor. "Traffic has resumed on the Largu-Massumbuko, Saliboko, and Katoto axes, even late in the day. Markets are functioning again." He noted that exchanges between communities are gradually restarting, fostering social cohesion.

Despite these positive signs, the situation remains fragile in certain pockets. In Bule, displaced families are still reluctant to go back to their villages due to lingering mistrust, particularly after clashes between the Congolese army (FARDC) and the CRP armed group. Local religious leaders report that civilians have sometimes been mistaken for combatants, fueling tensions. Sustainable peace, they emphasize, requires not only improved security but also the restoration of trust between the population and defense forces.

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People are returning to the bush to cultivate and harvest. Traffic has resumed on the Largu–Massumbuko, Saliboko and Katoto axes, even late in the day. Markets are functioning again. The inhabitants of Bahema Nord frequent the markets of Walendu Tatsi in Dzuda, while those of Walendu Tatsi also come to sell and buy in the markets of Massumbuko. We see that exchanges between communities are gradually resuming.