Karawa Communities Raise Their Voices for Security Through Citizen Voice and Action

An informed community is better equipped to take action. This is what residents of Karawa, in North Ubangi Province, demonstrated after taking part in training organised by World Vision DRC on the Citizen Voice and Action (CVA)approach. The approach enables communities to understand their rights, engage with authorities and advocate for improved public services and living conditions.

The training brought together members of the CVA Committee, the Children’s Parliament, civil society organisations, faith and community leaders. Through participatory discussions, participants identified key challenges affecting their community, including security, health, education, hygiene and agriculture. Security emerged as the most urgent concern.

“Through this training, we understood that we can organise ourselves, raise our voices and engage with authorities to find solutions together to the problems affecting our community,” said Patrick, a participant.

The concern was heightened by a recent attack on a missionary’s residence in Karawa. The incident, in which three people were seriously injured and property was stolen, reinforced fears among residents already facing an increase in burglaries, armed robberies and other crimes.

“The attack on the missionary’s residence showed that no one is safe. We could no longer remain silent about the situation,” said Francisca, a community member.

Determined to act peacefully and constructively, participants documented the community’s concerns and developed an advocacy memorandum addressed to provincial, territorial, police and military authorities, calling attention to the deteriorating security situation in Karawa.

On 28 July 2026, the community held a peaceful awareness and advocacy march, calling for concrete measures to protect residents and restore security. The memorandum was publicly read and formally submitted to the Karawa Sector Office.

Richard Yawi, Chief of Karawa Sector, welcomed the initiative and commended the community for its peaceful and constructive approach.

“I congratulate the community members on this exemplary civic initiative. This advocacy demonstrates the population’s willingness to actively participate in finding solutions to the challenges affecting Karawa.”

He also acknowledged World Vision DRC’s support through the CVA approach:

“We appreciate World Vision’s support through the Citizen Voice and Action approach. It enables communities to better understand their rights and engage constructively with authorities for the development of their community.”

Among their recommendations, residents called for increased police and military presence, regular night patrols, a community-based early warning system, stronger action against impunity and a permanent dialogue platform between authorities and the community.

For World Vision DRC, the initiative demonstrates the practical impact of Citizen Voice and Action in strengthening community participation in local governance and promoting sustainable change.

“This experience shows that when communities have the information and tools they need, they can organise themselves, analyse their challenges and become agents of change in their own development,” said Serge LUNGELE, Advocacy and External Engagement Manager, World Vision DRC.

In Karawa, this first advocacy action marks an important step towards stronger civic participation and closer dialogue between communities and authorities to build a safer and more resilient community.