Civil society in Walikale, a territory in North Kivu province, raised urgent concerns on Sunday over the illegal possession and uncontrolled movement of firearms by civilians and rogue military personnel, warning of escalating insecurity in the region.
According to local sources, the unchecked circulation of weapons has fueled a sharp rise in violence, resulting in casualties across Walikale town and other surrounding population centers. In a formal advocacy note addressed to the authorities, civil society groups called for the immediate establishment of an arms collection and disarmament mechanism.
“In Walikale, civil society is raising the alarm about a worrying circulation of firearms among civilians,” the note said. “Several armed groups are reportedly involved in distributing these weapons, thereby increasing insecurity in the region.”
Residents have also denounced what they describe as the “inaction” of local authorities, warning that the situation could further inflame already fragile community tensions. They are urging the government and the United Nations peacekeeping mission (MONUSCO) to intervene quickly to disarm civilians and restore public order.
Civil society organizations are demanding a thorough investigation into the origins of the weapons and the identification of those responsible for their illegal distribution. They noted that despite several previous alerts in recent months, no substantial action has yet been taken by authorities.
Local human rights groups echoed these calls, stressing the urgent need to intensify control operations and raise public awareness about the dangers of illegal firearm possession.
