The calm returned on October 27, 2026, to the villages of Lodja and Otse in Djugu territory, Ituri province, following an incursion attributed to CODECO militiamen. The local population, including recently returned displaced persons, were reportedly panicked by the gunfire. According to the Bahema-Nord civil society, over a dozen houses were also set on fire during the attack.
The CODECO attack on Lodja and Otse disrupted school activities and commercial operations in the region. Local sources reported that classes were not held in several affected villages, and some commercial activities were suspended as a security measure. The incidents have raised concerns among human rights defenders, who are calling on provincial authorities to strengthen protection for civilians.
In a separate incident, the FARDC repelled an attack by Convention pour la révolution populaire (CRP) militants on their position in Bule. According to security sources, an exchange of fire occurred before the army successfully pushed back the assailants. However, no casualty figures were available at the time of publication.
The recent attacks have highlighted the ongoing security concerns in Ituri province, which has been under a state of siege since May 2021. The civil society has expressed concerns that the return to calm in Lodja, Otse, and Bule is fragile and that lasting solutions are needed to address the root causes of insecurity in the region.
Human rights defenders are urging provincial authorities to take additional measures to protect civilians from recurrent attacks by armed groups. They emphasize that the persistence of violence requires a more robust response to ensure the safety and security of the local population.
The impact of the attacks on local communities has been significant, with many residents forced to suspend their daily activities due to security concerns. The situation remains fragile, and there are concerns that further attacks could occur if the underlying causes of insecurity are not addressed.
The authorities have not yet commented on the attacks or provided an update on the situation in the affected areas. However, local residents and civil society groups are calling for increased protection and a more effective response to the ongoing security challenges in Ituri province.
Key points
- The recent attacks in Ituri province have disrupted school activities and commercial operations, highlighting the ongoing security concerns in the region.
- The civil society has expressed concerns that the return to calm in Lodja, Otse, and Bule is fragile and that lasting solutions are needed to address the root causes of insecurity.
- Human rights defenders are urging provincial authorities to take additional measures to protect civilians from recurrent attacks by armed groups.
