Awareness Campaigns Promote Peaceful Coexistence in Djugu

Djugu, Ituri February 6, 2026 - Public gatherings are being regularly organized in the Walendu Djatsi sector of Djugu territory to promote peace and social cohesion, a Radio Okapi reporter observed on Friday, February 6. Initiated by traditional authorities and security forces, these awareness campaigns aim to foster peaceful coexistence among local communities. The initiatives have been welcomed by civil society, which calls for greater involvement of young people in the process. According to Justin Gudza, head of the Walendu Djatsi sector, all segments of society are engaged, including youth, religious leaders, educators, and military and police authorities. “Markets and places of worship are frequented by all communities. Traffic flows smoothly. People need to interact, speak the same language, and consider each other as brothers,” Gudza explained. Youth Called Upon to Get Involved Germain Mapasa, local civil society coordinator, stressed that lasting peace depends on the active involvement of young people. “We ask all the communities of Djugu to accept one another and forget the past. We call on our youth to support all initiatives likely to bring about lasting peace. Before, we didn’t question who was Mulendu or Muhema. We must not let manipulators divide us,” he emphasized. During the campaigns, local authorities also highlight the importance of good civil-military relations to ensure the effective protection of the population.