Suspected CODECO rebels attack security forces in Ituri province October 14
Category: Criminal Activity
Severity: 4 (High)
Source: Drum Cussac
10/16/2020 (Congo (Kinshasa)) - A group of suspected Cooperative for the Development of Congo (CODECO) rebels attacked Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) personnel on Wednesday, October 14, in the village of Liko located in Djugo territory (Ituri province). Reports indicate that two soldiers were shot and killed whilst on patrol in the area. Security forces believe the group to have come from a village near Wadda village in the Walendu Tatsi sector.
Similarly, media sources indicate that earlier on Wednesday a group of armed rebels from the Petro locality ambushed and beheaded a civilian in Tsitsi village of the Walendu Tatsi sector.
Attacks by armed groups are expected to continue across the region over the near and medium term. Security operations are likely in the area in the coming days.
Context
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
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