The military governor of Ituri Province in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Major General Kasongo Mulumba Batoka Gaby, has ordered an immediate end to extortion and harassment at roadblocks, warning that soldiers who fail to comply will face military justice.
In an “extremely urgent” telegram issued to commanders of military units operating across the province, the governor instructed them to stop all forms of extortion, illegal collections and abuse allegedly committed by troops under their command.
The directive states that any soldier or state official found violating the order will be prosecuted before a military court for disobeying official instructions.
Kasongo also tasked the mayor of Bunia and territorial administrators with identifying, documenting and reporting all cases of harassment and extortion in their respective areas to facilitate investigations and prosecutions.
The order comes days after protests by young people in the rural commune of Mahagi against roadblocks erected by traffic police, which demonstrators said were being used to extract illegal payments from civilians.
Roadblocks manned by members of the security forces have long been a source of complaints in eastern DRC, where residents and transporters frequently report being forced to pay illegal fees while travelling.
The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) have repeatedly faced allegations from international organizations, including the United Nations, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, of corruption, looting, unlawful taxation at checkpoints and serious human rights abuses committed by some of their members. The Congolese military has maintained that it investigates such allegations and disciplines personnel found responsible.
The latest directive is seen as part of efforts by provincial authorities to restore discipline within the security forces and improve public confidence in areas affected by years of conflict and insecurity.
Rwandatribune.rw
