At least 40 bodies of civilians have been discovered in the Bakaiku groupement, in the heart of the Babila-Babombi chieftaincy, Ituri province, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The victims were killed by ADF rebels who targeted mainly farmers and local residents in their fields. According to local sources and humanitarian organizations, the bodies are scattered in several villages, including Maduanaze, Bukoka, Mabeko, Mabuho, Kwanza, Kazaroho, and Nduma.
The situation remains dire as the areas where the bodies were found are inaccessible due to ongoing security threats and the presence of the attackers. This has prevented families and rescue teams from accessing the sites to recover the bodies. Zephani Kataliko, a human rights activist, expressed outrage over the killings, stating that the civilians were "lame executed by ADF rebels" and that the bodies are abandoned due to the insecurity in the area.
The local civil society and observers in Ituri have condemned the perceived indifference to these killings. The New Congolese Civil Society (NSCC) of Mambasa has urged the government to declare a national day of mourning in memory of the victims. John Vuleveryo, NSCC coordinator, emphasized that the government cannot remain silent in the face of such a tragedy and called for dignified burials for the victims.
The situation has sparked calls for urgent action from the government and security forces. Zephani Kataliko and other civil society actors have appealed to the Democratic Republic of the Congo Armed Forces (FARDC) and security services to deploy reinforced protection measures to secure the area. This would allow families to retrieve the bodies and halt the security hemorrhage in the south of the province.
The ADF rebel group has been responsible for numerous attacks in the region, targeting civilians and causing widespread displacement. The group is known for its brutal tactics, including mass killings, rape, and forced recruitment of children. The international community has condemned the attacks, but the group remains a significant threat to stability in the region.
The crisis in Ituri province has humanitarian implications, with thousands of people displaced and in need of assistance. The United Nations and other humanitarian organizations have expressed concern over the situation, calling for increased support to address the crisis. The situation remains volatile, with ongoing security threats and humanitarian needs.
The government has been urged to take decisive action to address the security situation in the region. The NSCC and other civil society groups have called for an investigation into the attacks and for those responsible to be brought to justice. The situation in Mambasa and surrounding areas remains a pressing concern for humanitarian organizations and the international community.
Key points
- Over 40 civilians killed by ADF rebels in Mambasa, Ituri province, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- The situation remains dire as the areas where the bodies were found are inaccessible due to ongoing security threats.
- The local civil society has urged the government to declare a national day of mourning in memory of the victims.
