Mambasa paralyzed by strike against ADF massacres and road harassment

Socio-economic activities in several localities within the Babila Babombi chiefdom of Mambasa territory, Ituri province, were significantly disrupted on Monday, August 3. This paralysis followed a call for a two-day "dead cities" strike, organized by the local coordination of the New Congolese Civil Society (NSCC). The protest aims to denounce the surge in attacks attributed to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels and to protest against road harassment experienced by the local population.

In centers like Biakato and Béle, as well as other settlements in the Babila Babombi chiefdom, shops, businesses, and various services remained closed throughout the day. Local sources reported widespread adherence to the strike call, leading to a near-total slowdown of activities across multiple areas. The NSCC stated that this action is intended to draw the attention of authorities to the deteriorating security situation in the region.

The organization specifically condemned the increase in massacres blamed on ADF rebels, who are responsible for numerous deadly attacks against civilians in Mambasa territory and surrounding areas. In addition to insecurity, the civil society group also criticized the frequent road tolls and harassment reported on key agricultural access routes. They argue these practices hinder local economic development and exacerbate the hardships faced by the population.

Muhindo Mamboro, the local coordinator for the NSCC, believes the mobilization reflects the deep discontent among residents over persistent insecurity that has plagued the region for years. The civic group is calling on national, provincial, and local authorities to provide concrete responses to the population's concerns. They warned that further citizen actions could be considered if effective measures are not taken to improve security and end the reported harassment.

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the mobilization observed in the different localities translates the deep discontent of the inhabitants in the face of persistent insecurity that has affected the region for several years.