Beni Ville Morte Slows Commerce Over Activist Detention

Beni, North Kivu, August 11, 2026 - Youth pressure groups and citizen movements called a “ville morte” on August 11 demanding the release of Clovis Mutsuva, an Ensemble pour la République activist held at Beni central prison since July 18 on charges of spreading false rumours after criticising Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) killings and local governance; demonstrators also called for Governor Evariste Somo’s replacement. Police deployed at hotspots. Commerce slowed from the ENRA roundabout through Matonge to Kilokwa market, with delayed shop openings and empty stalls, while overnight barricades appeared in Mulekera. Mutsuva’s lawyers continue to seek his release.