Armed attacks in the villages of Djugu, Ituri, DRC
In the last few days, a series of armed attacks have bloodied the villages of the chiefdoms of Bahema-Badjere, Mabendi and Walendu Djatsi in the territory of Djugu, in Ituri, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. These deadly attacks caused the death of at least twenty-four people and injured around ten others.
The armed groups URDPC/CODECO and ZAIRE are accused of being behind these attacks. Tensions began on Wednesday, September 6, when Zaire militia fighters attacked the villages of Kalangabgbo and Isiro in the Musaba groupement of Mabendi chiefdom. The results of this first attack were five farmers killed.
In retaliation, URDPC/CODECO fighters attacked the village of Loko Mbidjo in the Dhego grouping of the Bahema Badjere chiefdom. They confronted Zaire militiamen, resulting in the death of thirteen people, including six women and four militiamen. Among the militiamen killed was a second-in-command of the Zaire militia, nicknamed “Djobalo”. Three CODECO attackers also lost their lives during this attack, which also resulted in the burning of more than seventy houses.
During the night from Friday to Saturday, CODECO attackers continued their deadly attacks in the village of Lona Londrikpa, in the Badjere chiefdom. This time, six people were killed, including three children and two women.
Faced with this unacceptable violence, the Congolese army called on the two militias to put an end to these attacks and to respect the ongoing peace process in the region. She also warned that she would not remain passive and would track down all armed groups that refused to cooperate.
The situation in the villages affected by this violence is currently confused and precarious. Residents live in fear and insecurity, fearing new attacks. It is essential that steps are taken to restore peace and security to the region, so that communities can live in stability and rebuild their lives.
It is important to emphasize that these armed attacks are a sad reminder of the many security challenges facing the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is essential that the authorities do everything possible to disarm and dismantle the armed groups present in the country, in order to guarantee long-term security and stability.
Sources:
– Article link: https://fatshimetrie.org/blog/2023/09/10/agence-armee-dans-les-villages-de-djugu-ituri-au-moins-vingt- quatre-personnel-tuees/
– Article link: https://fatshimetrie.org/blog/2023/09/10/series-dattacks-armees-dans-les-villages-de-djugu-ituri-au-moins-vingt- quatre-morts/