Mahagi Tensions Rise After Civil Society Protests Leave 13 Injured

Tensions remain high in Mahagi, Ituri, after civil society protests on Monday left 13 people injured. The demonstrations aimed to denounce road harassment and other local grievances. Protesters initially gathered at Mamba Stadium.

Security forces dispersed the crowd by firing warning shots. In the ensuing panic, many participants fled in disarray, leading to injuries from falls into excavations around the stadium. The injured were taken to various health facilities in Mahagi.

The protests disrupted local activities, with businesses and services closed for much of the day, creating an atmosphere of concern across the territory. Civil society representatives have submitted a memorandum of recommendations to the authorities. They expressed hope that the arrival of a provincial delegation would open dialogue and help de-escalate the situation. The administrator of Mahagi territory declined to comment at this time.