News in the DRC: Attacks by armed groups in Ituri continue to claim victims
The situation in the province of Ituri in the Democratic Republic of Congo is still worrying. Indeed, several attacks by local armed groups continue to sow terror and desolation in this region of the DRC. These armed groups do not hesitate to target even displaced persons.
This Monday, June 12, 2023, an attack attributed to CODECO militiamen hit the Lala site, Ngle group, in the Bahema Badjere chiefdom in Djugu. This attack targeted displaced civilians seeking refuge there. According to the head of the local chiefdom, more than 40 people were killed and 8 injured. The toll drawn up by the G5-A, a structure bringing together the victimized communities, is even heavier, with 46 civilians killed, 10 missing and 11 injured.
Faced with this situation, national deputy Jackson Ausse Afingoto recommends that the government cease dialogue with armed groups and launch military operations. According to him, “security cannot be negotiated”.
Lieutenant Jules Ngongo, for his part, denounces an act of sabotage to the peace and security process wanted by President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, and calls for the opening of investigations to determine the perpetrators of this carnage.
This is a worrying situation which recalls the need for the authorities to strengthen security measures to protect local populations, in particular displaced persons who are increasingly targeted by armed groups in Ituri.