Insecurity continues to worsen in Ituri, with an attack carried out on Monday in the territory of Djugu which claimed more than 40 displaced civilian victims. This attack, attributed to CODECO militiamen, is a war crime and against humanity which has been qualified as an act of sabotage to the peace process in Ituri. IDP sites are increasingly targeted by armed groups, causing many innocent victims.
National deputy Jackson Ausse Afingoto asks the Congolese government to stop talking to armed groups and to activate military operations to guarantee the security of the population. For this elected official, “security cannot be negotiated”.
The G5-A, a structure bringing together the victim communities, has drawn up a balance sheet of 46 civilians killed, 10 missing and 11 injured. The judicial sector has affirmed its commitment to carry out the necessary investigations to find the perpetrators of this carnage.
This attack is one of many in the region and has shocked the international community. It is urgent that the Congolese government take measures to protect its population and put an end to this unjustifiable violence. Victims and their families deserve quick and accessible justice.
It is important to remember that the economic and environmental fallout from this violence is significant, particularly in terms of the displacement of populations, the cessation of economic activities and the destruction of the environment.
We can only strongly condemn these barbaric acts and call for urgent action to end this spiral of violence.