In the troubled region of North Kivu, the village of Katerain, located near the town of Mamove, has once again been the scene of a tragedy. The grisly discovery of 15 additional bodies of civilians, presumably killed by suspected ADF fighters, only highlights the continuing devastation caused by violence in the region.
The chief of the Bakila-Bakaiku locality, Charles Endukadi, confirmed the terrible news, specifying that the bodies of the victims were sent to the Oicha morgue. “Yesterday we found 20 bodies and today we have just discovered 15 bodies,” Endukadi said, highlighting the atrocious cruelty suffered by these innocent civilians.
Unfortunately, the attacks continue mercilessly, as the attackers appear to act with impunity, with the army busy on other fronts. Indeed, the military focused on the fight against the M23, thus leaving the way clear for the rebels to sow terror and death in the surrounding villages.
These recent atrocities come on top of a series of appalling violence in the region. Indeed, last Tuesday, 20 people were beheaded in their own fields during brutal attacks in Bakila-Bakaiku. Residents of the region live in constant fear, not knowing when or where violence will strike.
Violence attributed to Ugandan ADF rebels continues to intensify in the Mamove area, leaving behind a wake of death and desolation. Since Tuesday, at least 35 deaths have been recorded in the villages of Katerain, Kota Okola, and Nzakiya, all located in the locality of Bakila-Bakaiku. The death toll continues to rise, with searches continuing to find other possible victims.
The situation in North Kivu is a stark reminder of the horrors that persist in this unstable region. Local and national authorities must redouble their efforts to protect vulnerable populations and put an end to this unacceptable violence. It is time to end the impunity of armed groups and ensure security and justice for all people in the region.