Mambasa traditional chiefs demand better phone network to counter ADF attacks

Traditional chiefs from seven chiefdoms in Mambasa territory, located in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, are urging authorities and telecommunications operators to install new mobile phone antennas. Their primary goal is to enhance network coverage, which they believe is crucial for strengthening early warning mechanisms against attacks by the rebel group ADF.

During a meeting in Mambasa on Thursday, June 25, these customary leaders highlighted that the weak or non-existent network coverage in many areas compromises the timely transmission of alerts. This delay in communication hinders the swift intervention of security forces, exacerbating the insecurity in a region already heavily impacted by armed group violence. Mambasa territory, situated about 174 kilometers west of Bunia, faces significant communication challenges that the chiefs argue worsen the situation for civilian populations.

The lack of phone service is particularly acute in some areas. For instance, the chiefdom of Walesse-Bese, bordering the Haut-Uele territory, has no mobile network in any of its 21 villages. This absence of signal reportedly facilitates ADF incursions, especially given the limited presence of the Congolese army (FARDC). The chief of Walesse-Bese, Faustin Sukari, lamented that even a previously installed Wi-Fi system was stolen by the ADF, leaving them with no means of communication.

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In the entire chiefdom, there is no network. I had installed Wi-Fi, but the ADF came and stole it. Yet, it was our only means of communication.

In other parts of Mambasa, only a few larger settlements have a weak phone signal. In Babila-Bakwanza, an area with significant ADF activity, local sources reported that survivors of a recent attack on the village of Bahaha had to travel nearly 15 kilometers to find a signal to alert the FARDC. "An ADF incursion was reported in Bahaha, but there was no network. It took traveling 15 kilometers to find a signal and give the alert. Unfortunately, the information arrived late," sources said, noting that the military's presence limited the damage.

Telecommunications companies contacted cited persistent insecurity as a major constraint, preventing their technical teams from deploying equipment in many parts of the province. Until network coverage improves, customary authorities fear that civilian populations remain highly exposed due to their inability to quickly alert security services during attacks.

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An ADF incursion was reported in Bahaha, but there was no network. It took traveling 15 kilometers to find a signal and give the alert. Unfortunately, the information arrived late. Fortunately, the soldiers already present on site intervened and managed to limit the damage.