The province of Ituri in the Democratic Republic of Congo is once again bereaved. Local armed groups continue to sow violence, including at IDP sites. On the morning of June 12, 2023, more than forty displaced civilians were killed by CODECO militiamen in Djugu, in the Ngle groupement, Bahema Badjere chiefdom. The provisional assessment drawn up by the G5-A reports 46 civilians killed, 10 missing and 11 injured. Displaced persons sites are increasingly targeted by armed groups in Djugu territory, as illustrated by the massacre of more than 60 displaced persons at Plaine Savo in Bule.
National deputy Jackson Ausse Afingoto expressed his revolt at this situation and recommends that the Congolese government stop dialogue with armed groups and activate military operations. According to him, safety cannot be negotiated. Lieutenant Jules Ngongo described this act as sabotage of the peace process in Ituri. He called for investigations to determine the perpetrators of this carnage and assured the people of Djugu of their safety.
In this troubled province, armed violence remains a sensitive and topical subject, as evidenced by the following articles published on our blog:
– Electoral reform in the DRC: the draft law on the distribution of seats divides the Senate.
– Voter registration: the CENI announces the start of operations in the territory of Kwamouth.
– Inclusion of women in the DRC: legal progress but challenges to be met for the elections.
– Deadly attack in a site for displaced people in the DRC: MONUSCO calls for rapid action to guarantee the safety of the civilian population.
– Boycott of the bill on the distribution of seats: FCC senators oppose the electoral process in the DRC.
– Two Congolese students win the national final of the OHADA international competition and represent the DRC at the 2023 edition of “Génies en herbe”.
– Barrick Gold Corporation is investing 25 million to save white rhinos in Garamba National Park.
– Hortense Kavuo Maliro, a Congolese politician, is running for the presidency for an inclusive management of the DRC.
– Deputy Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Bemba Ngombo on an observation mission in Goma: what about the war in North Kivu?
– Massacre of 41 displaced persons in Ituri province: CODECO returns to violence.
The violence in Ituri is a reminder of the need to find lasting solutions for peace in this region of the DRC