Multiple hostages released in Aru territory (Ituri province) September 7
Category: Conflict
Severity: 3 (Moderate)
Source: Drum Cussac
09/08/2020 (Congo (Kinshasa)) - It was reported on Monday, September 7, that 17 of 42 hostages who were kidnapped by Coalition of Congolese Democrats (CODECO) rebels on Thursday, August 27, have been released in Aru territory (Ituri province). According to media sources, the 17 hostages were released last Friday, September 4, by their captors and handed over to Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) forces in Djugu territory (Ituri province). Five people among the 42 kidnapped were killed by the attackers and others reportedly remain captive at this time.
Further rebel attacks and associated security operations are likely in Ituri province in the medium term.
Context
On August 27, a group of armed CODECO militiamen attacked Shaba town in Aru territory (Ituri province), looting the town and setting fire to at least 500 homes. At least three people were killed in the attack and 42 others were kidnapped.
Dozens of attacks on communities in Ituri province have been attributed to CODECO since violence in the region flared in March 2020. The clashes have been linked to long-simmering tensions between the Lendu ethnic group, from which CODECO is drawn, and local Hema traders. However, security forces' capabilities in Ituri, as elsewhere in the DRC's unstable eastern provinces, remain limited, and the government has so far struggled to stem the violence.
Those in Ituri province are advised to remain vigilant for rebel and militia activity, monitor developments, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.
Copyright © 2024 Drum Cussac
Related
Congo (Kinshasa) Security Profile
Congo (Kinshasa) Alerts Archive
News Alerts and Safety Profiles are provided strictly for informational purposes and contain the best available data at the time of writing. While every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy, the information in this report has not been independently verified and HTH Worldwide therefore accepts no responsibility or liability for any inaccuracies in such information and any such liability is expressly denied, and no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made. Documents may be amended or withdrawn at any time without cause.