Maniema: Kasongo civil society organises "dead city" days and peaceful march to denounce insecurity

Since Wednesday 1 October 2025, civil society in Kasongo, in Maniema province, has been staging "dead city" days, with schools, markets and shops closed in protest against growing insecurity in the region. The main motive for this mobilisation is the resurgence of banditry and armed robbery, which affect local populations on a daily basis, disrupt trade and limit access to basic services.

On Friday 3 October 2025, a peaceful march brought together members of civil society around a memorandum submitted to the territorial authority. The demonstrators are demanding, in particular, the immediate departure of certain military, police and administrative officials deemed incapable of protecting the population, and are calling for concrete measures to restore security and confidence in local institutions.