The terrorist attacks in the village of Mambelenga, in the province of Irumu in the Democratic Republic of Congo, have suffered another tragic toll. According to Christophe Munyanderu, socio-political actor in the region, the number of victims increased from 3 to 5 civilians killed by the jihadists of the Democratic and Allied Forces (ADF). This figure is added to the 8 combatants neutralized, bringing the total toll to 13 deaths.
The situation worsened with the discovery of two other bodies, including that of a motorcyclist who was beheaded by the terrorists when he fell into an ambush while bringing back a wounded man. Another body was also found in Malweka, according to information gathered from the hostages who managed to escape. The latter claim that other bodies of civilians are still found in the bush.
Faced with this escalation of violence, the Reflection Unit for Democracy and Human Rights (CRDH) of Irumu calls on the population to redouble their vigilance and asks the Congolese government to take urgent measures to put an end to the activities of ADF in the region.
It is important to remember that the attacks took place on September 17 and 18, targeting the villages of Idohu, Ndimo and Mambelenga. Congolese (FARDC) and Ugandan (UPDF) military forces succeeded in neutralizing 8 ADF jihadists, but at the cost of the lives of 3 civilians. Others were kidnapped.
This series of attacks reveals the persistence of the ADF phenomenon in the Irumu region. The local population is in a state of terror and the authorities must take concrete measures to ensure the safety of residents and put an end to these acts of violence.
It is more necessary than ever to pay particular attention to this worrying situation. Terrorist attacks and innocent victims must not be trivialized. It is imperative to support efforts to eradicate armed groups and restore peace in the Irumu region. Only collective and coordinated action can put an end to this cycle of violence.