15 Lives Lost in the Latest Wave of Violence
In a disturbing escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) Ituri province, armed rebels from the CODECO (Cooperative for the Development of the Congo) militia reportedly killed 15 people in an attack near the village of Tali. This marks the second such assault in the area within days, highlighting the ongoing tensions between the Lendu and Hema ethnic groups. CODECO, claiming to defend the interests of the Lendu ethnic group, has targeted the rival Hema tribe in these attacks.
According to local sources, the CODECO fighters ambushed individuals on a road near Tali, tying them up, undressing them, and subsequently killing them. The victims, including one woman, suffered brutal treatment, with some having their throats cut and others shot dead. The bodies reportedly showed signs of torture, underscoring the brutality of the attack.
CODECO was among several armed groups in the DRC that signed a peace deal last year. However, violence persists in the region, with numerous armed groups operating. The recent surge in violence has prompted increased efforts to address the complex security situation, including deploying South African troops as part of a Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission.
Ituri, a region rich in gold, has a history of ethnic-based conflict. The area experienced violent clashes between militias from 1999 to 2003, resulting in the deaths of thousands. The conflict flared up again in 2017, leading to further civilian casualties and displacement. The situation in Ituri has remained volatile, with ongoing clashes and a resurgence of violence in recent weeks.
In addition to internal conflicts, external factors also contribute to the complex security landscape. The M23 rebel group, one of many armed groups in the region, has been implicated in recent attacks, raising concerns about its intentions, including a potential assault on Goma. The DRC government has accused neighboring Rwanda of providing military support to M23, an allegation Rwanda denies. Amidst the violence, calls for the government to accelerate the peace process and implement disarmament and reintegration initiatives for militia fighters have gained prominence. The situation in eastern DRC remains fluid, and concerted efforts are needed to address the root causes of the conflicts and build sustainable peace in the region.
