A site for displaced persons in Rhoo, located in the Djugu territory of the Ituri province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, experienced a panic-stricken exodus on September 28. This came after an incursion attributed to the CODECO militia in the nearby center of Blukwa. The attack involved gunfire and heavy artillery detonations, prompting several displaced individuals to seek refuge at the base of the United Nations Multidimensional Stabilization Mission in the Congo (MONUSCO).
The proximity of Blukwa to Rhoo has heightened concerns among the displaced persons, who fear that the violence may extend to their camp. Witnesses reported that several houses in the attacked area were set on fire. The MONUSCO peacekeepers and the Forces Armées de la République Démocratique du Congo (FARDC) intervened to repel the assailants. Displaced persons, including women and children, expressed their fears and uncertainty about their safety.
Josée Claire, a female leader and supervisor of displaced women at Rhoo, recounted her experience. She stated that the CODECO militia's attack on Blukwa, which involved arson and gunfire, left them with no choice but to flee to the MONUSCO base. The situation remains precarious, with concerns about the fate of those who had gone to their fields before the attack. There are also worries about providing food for the children.
Héritier Dezunga, a representative of the civil society in Bahema-Nord, confirmed the incursion, which he stated occurred on September 27. According to him, the incident caused widespread panic and resulted in three reported deaths, although the toll is still considered provisional. The circumstances surrounding the fatalities are yet to be clarified.
The FARDC and MONUSCO have been deployed to secure the site and its surroundings, as clashes continue. This recent escalation of violence has added to the pressure on an already vulnerable population, which faces fear, disruption of activities, and difficulties accessing their fields. The situation remains tense in Rhoo and neighboring localities.
The impact of this violence on the displaced persons and local communities is significant. Many are struggling to cope with the trauma and uncertainty caused by the attacks. Humanitarian organizations and local authorities are working to provide assistance and support to those affected.
The ongoing violence in Djugu territory highlights the need for sustained efforts to address the root causes of the conflict and ensure the protection of civilians. The situation requires a comprehensive response from the government, humanitarian organizations, and the international community to mitigate the suffering of the affected populations.
Key points
- Three people have been reported dead following the CODECO incursion in Blukwa.
- Displaced persons from the Rhoo site have sought refuge at the MONUSCO base due to fears of violence spreading to their camp.
- The FARDC and MONUSCO have been deployed to secure the area and its surroundings amid ongoing clashes.
