DRC: at least eighteen people killed in new attacks in Ituri

A peacekeeper vehicle patrols in the Djugu sector (Ituri, eastern DRC) on March 13, 2020. AFP / Archivos

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The territory of Djugu, in the province of Ituri, was the scene of new attacks on November 21 and 22.

Attributed to the militiamen of Codeco (Cooperative for the development of the Congo), these attacks left eighteen dead among the displaced from the Drodro site, according to some local sources, and twelve according to the army.

This assessment could be heavier according to other sources.

Excavations are continuing.

The army and MONUSCO have been deployed in the area. 

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With our correspondent in Kinshasa,

The attack lasted for several hours.

The militiamen entered the displaced persons site managed by Caritas, they set fire to shelters and killed several people.

Eighteen bodies were found, according to the site manager.

The army speaks of twelve civilians killed and nine attackers neutralized.

The toll is undoubtedly heavier, say other local sources, which evoke thirty deaths among which militiamen.

Bodies were also found in neighboring villages.

The search was still continuing last night despite the context of insecurity.

16,000 displaced

After the intervention of the army and MONUSCO, a corridor was finally opened allowing civilians to reach Roe where there is a temporary base of the UN mission.

Thousands of civilians were escorted and made safe by the peacekeepers over ten kilometers. 

According to MONUSCO, more than 16,000 displaced persons were thus collected near the position of the peacekeepers.

It evacuated the humanitarian workers present at the Drodro site. 

Yesterday Monday, two companies of peacekeepers were also sent to the area.

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