A wave of violence struck the groupement of Mudja in Nyiragongo territory, Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the night of November 3, leaving at least seven civilians dead. The attacks, which occurred in the villages of Mukondo and Bugamba 1, have plunged several families into mourning. According to the local civil society, the violence was characterized by targeted killings of civilians in a region already affected by insecurity.
The first incident occurred at around 9 pm in Mukondo village, where armed men entered two households. In one family, the father was killed, and his wife was injured by a gunshot to the arm. In the second household, a couple was killed. Approximately 30 minutes later, another attack occurred in Bugamba 1 village, resulting in at least four deaths. The civil society of Nyiragongo reported that these crimes were committed during nighttime burglaries.
The civil society of Nyiragongo has condemned the violence and denounced the targeted killings of civilians in the region. They also reported a surge in human rights violations, including kidnappings, rapes, and other forms of violence affecting local populations. The president of the civil society of Nyiragongo, currently in exile, strongly condemned the attacks, stating that no security, political, or military consideration can justify such violence against civilians.
The attacks occurred in an area controlled by rebels from the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN/M23), where populations live in permanent insecurity. The civil society has called on competent authorities and actors involved in population protection to take urgent measures to put an end to this series of violence and guarantee the security of inhabitants in Nyiragongo territory.
The local civil society has expressed concern over the persistent climate of fear in the region, which has been exacerbated by the recent attacks. They have urged authorities to take concrete steps to address the insecurity and ensure the protection of civilians. The situation in Nyiragongo territory remains volatile, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence.
Radio Okapi reported that the situation in the region remains precarious, with populations living in fear of further attacks. The civil society has reiterated its call for urgent action to be taken to protect civilians and restore security in the region. The authorities have yet to comment on the situation.
The killing of seven civilians in the targeted attacks has sparked widespread condemnation, with many calling for increased security measures to protect civilians in the region. The incident has also raised concerns about the humanitarian situation in Nyiragongo territory, where populations are already vulnerable due to the ongoing insecurity.
Key points
- Targeted killings of civilians have increased in Nyiragongo territory, with seven people killed in recent attacks.
- The attacks occurred in an area controlled by FRN/M23 rebels, where populations live in permanent insecurity.
- The civil society has called for urgent action to be taken to protect civilians and restore security in the region.
