DRC: new massacre and old mass grave discovered in the East

One of the joint operations between the Ugandan and Congolese armies in Virunga National Park in DRC, December 14, 2021. (Illustration photo) © SEBASTIEN KITSA MUSAYI/AFP

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In the Democratic Republic of Congo, civil society accuses ADF rebels, affiliated with the Islamic State terrorist group, of having massacred 21 villagers on Friday (April 7th). In addition, the bones of about fifty people were discovered in the Ruwenzori sector, near the Ugandan border.

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It is a new massacre that took place in the sector of Beni-Mbau, about twenty kilometers from Beni and fifteen from the airport of Mavivi. Twenty-one people were massacred. A vehicle and six motorcycles were also reportedly set on fire.

The bodies were, this Saturday, April 8, being brought back to the morgue of the Oicha referral hospital where families can collect them for the funeral. "These are people who came from the fields, who were perhaps preparing Easter, Saturday's market or who took a few pieces of wood," Richard Kirimba, first vice-president of Beni's civil society, toldRFI. All these people were ambushed. Most were killed by knives, which is the natural way the ADF does not attract attention. But they also fired shots, maybe some people tried to escape. He added: "The population is deprived of their Easter celebration. What was supposed to be a celebration turns into mourning.

Discovery of a mass grave

In addition, the bones of about fifty people were discovered Friday, April 7, in the Ruwenzori sector, near the Ugandan border. Analyses are underway to learn more about this bloodbath. The authorities explain that the area was, at the time, occupied by a large ADF encampment suspected, in this case, of having executed civilians they were holding hostage. "But there are also military effects that have been discovered on some bones," Kirimba said.

The facts would date from 2021 or early 2022. "It means that this part has not been frequented all this time. It is a military area of operation," he said, fearing that the number of casualties could increase. "Thereare still other inaccessible places where there could be other bones."

Now is the difficult task of identifying the victims, as many families in the region "have noticed the disappearance of relatives". And if identifications are made, "it can help to reassure, to give the real information to the families, to know even perhaps the context in which their loved ones died," hopes the first vice-president of civil society of Beni, who expects the government to intensify the hunt for rebels and military reinforcements.

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We call on the Congolese government or army to expand joint operations in this area. In places where the Ugandan army is fighting alongside the Congolese army to try to neutralize this rebellion, things are progressing better. On the other hand, the places where the Congolese Armed Forces are minimal, it is essential that they be reinforced by joint operations, "he calls.

► READ ALSO: DRC: new deadly attack attributed to the ADF, the army pursues the rebels

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