Deadly clashes between the FARDC and the ADF in Kawame, Mambasa, in Ituri
The province of Ituri, in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, is once again the scene of deadly violence. Since last Wednesday, clashes have pitted the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in the villages of Kawame, located in the territory of Mambasa.
According to local testimonies, these clashes have already caused fourteen victims, including women and children taken hostage by the ADF. The two villages of Mambau and Kawame were the targets of violent attacks perpetrated by ADF militiamen, who came from the neighboring province of North Kivu. The attackers opened fire several times, spreading terror among residents.
Local authorities report ten people killed, while four civilians were found decapitated, victims of machetes. The FARDC intervened to neutralize four ADF members and recover their weapons. A hunt is currently underway to pursue the rebels who are heading towards the Bangole group, in the locality of Mongali.
The administrator of the Mambasa territory, Jean-Batiste Munyanpanzi, calls on residents for calm and confidence in the FARDC who are trying to track down these rebels. However, persistent insecurity in the region raises many concerns about the safety of local populations.
These clashes once again demonstrate the fragility of the security situation in eastern DRC, where armed groups continue to sow terror and cause mourning among communities. It is urgent that measures be taken to put an end to this spiral of violence and protect the civilian population who are its main victims.
Sources
– Link 1: “Democratic Republic of Congo: deadly clashes between the FARDC and the ADF in Mambasa” – [Site name] (insert link)
– Link 2: “Worrying security situation in Kawame: authorities call for calm” – [Site name] (insert link)
– Link 3: “Deadly violence in eastern DRC: fourteen people killed in Kawame” – [Site name] (insert link)