Zone chiefs in Maramvya, Buyengero, Mudende, and Mariza within Rumonge commune, Burunga province, have reported a resurgence of goat thefts since early September. The livestock disappearances are occurring without arrests, according to local officials. "What is astonishing, they emphasize, is that some goats are slaughtered at the scene of the theft, but no one has yet been identified or arrested among the alleged perpetrators," the zone chiefs stated. This trend is contributing to growing security concerns in the region.
Surge in Livestock Theft and Arson
More than ten hectares have been lost to bushfires and arson within Rumonge commune. This destruction includes instances where some goats are being slaughtered at the scene of the theft, contributing to the broader pattern of insecurity. Herdsmen on transhumance burned approximately eight hectares of woodland on their return path to Vyanda. This incident occurred after the herdsmen were reportedly refused entry with their cattle. Separately, an individual identified as mentally ill burned an area of about five hectares on the hills of Gitongwe and Busaga. These events highlight the varied causes behind the recent surge in land destruction.
El Nino Preparedness and Social Issues
A five-hectare plot in Rumonge will be developed to accommodate probable victims of the upcoming El Nino phenomenon. Rumonge commune is considered a high-risk area due to its geographical position with Lake Tanganyika and bare, steep mountains, which could lead to floods and landslides. In preparation for potential climate impacts, each local committee will consist of seven people: two religious members, two political party members, one administrative official, one teacher representative, and one community health agent. Separately, children of school age are prohibited from being present at fishing ports. This measure aims to address social challenges alongside disaster preparedness efforts in the region.
Authorities Implement Security Measures
Administrator Augustin Minani instructed zone chiefs to appoint committees on each hill to combat unwanted pregnancies in schools and school dropouts. Minani stated, "Il estime qu’il faut une synergie d’actions pour combattre les abandons scolaires qui constituent une menace pour la sécurité." The zone chiefs requested support from the police and defense and security forces to curb goat theft, noting that "Ce qui est étonnant, soulignent-ils, est que certaines chèvres sont égorgées sur les lieux du vol mais qu’aucune personne n’a encore été identifiée ou arrêtée parmi les présumés auteurs." Minani also recommended that herdsmen responsible for recent fires be identified, arrested, and prosecuted. The commandant of the 410th brigade asked administrative authorities to promptly communicate information about suspicious situations that could disrupt security, stating, "Ce qui permettra de consolider la paix et la sécurité." The deputy commissioner of internal security police urged authorities to monitor people's movements, ensure household registers are properly filled, and apprehend suspicious individuals. Communal administrator Augustin Minani further instructed zone chiefs bordering Lake Tanganyika, specifically Kigwena, Gatete, Rumonge, Kizuka, and Minago, to closely monitor movements on the lake to prevent infiltrations by criminals.
Official Calls for Vigilance
School dropouts are considered a threat to security, according to authorities. Additionally, no perpetrators have yet been identified or arrested in connection with the recent goat thefts, despite some animals being slaughtered at the scene of the crime. Officials are urging increased vigilance to address these issues.