The territory of Djugu in Ituri province, Democratic Republic of Congo, has been hit by another wave of violence. Eleven people were killed on October 9 in an attack attributed to the Cooperative for the Development of the Congo (CODECO) militia in the village of Maze. The victims were mainly women and elderly individuals who had recently returned to their localities after a period of relative calm.
According to local sources, armed men suspected to be members of CODECO stormed the village at around 3:00 am, resulting in the deaths of eleven people. The population has been plunged into fear once again, following several months of relative security stability in this part of Ituri. The attack has been strongly condemned by the cultural association ENTE, which describes the violence as sabotage of the pacification efforts in the region.
ENTE believes that the resurgence of insecurity compromises the progress made after over a year of relative calm in Djugu. The association has called on CODECO militiamen to respect their commitments to peace and renounce acts of violence. ENTE also urges the Congolese government to take firmer measures against armed groups that refuse to adhere to the peace process, particularly through disarmament operations.
The humanitarian consequences of the attack are already being felt, with around a hundred civilians seeking refuge near the MONUSCO base in Drodro to escape potential further armed incursions. The UN peacekeepers have increased their patrols in the area to ensure the protection of civilians and prevent other attacks. This latest surge in violence highlights the fragility of the security situation in Ituri.
The attack occurred despite initiatives of peace launched in recent years, and efforts to stabilize the region remain confronted with the persistent activities of armed groups. CODECO has been responsible for numerous attacks in the region, and its activities have been a major concern for local authorities and the international community.
The situation in Djugu has been a subject of concern for local and national leaders, who have called for increased protection for civilians. More than 5,000 civilians have found refuge near MONUSCO bases in the region, highlighting the need for sustained efforts to address the security challenges in Ituri.
The Congolese government and the international community have been urged to take concrete steps to address the root causes of the violence and support efforts to bring peace and stability to the region. The humanitarian situation in Ituri remains a concern, with thousands of civilians displaced and in need of assistance.
Key points
- Eleven civilians were killed in an attack attributed to the CODECO militia in the village of Maze in Ituri province.
- The attack has been condemned by local leaders and the international community, who are calling for increased protection for civilians and efforts to address the root causes of the violence.
- The situation in Ituri remains fragile, with thousands of civilians displaced and in need of assistance.
