Congolese soldiers clash with CODECO rebels in Ituri province October 22
Category: Criminal Activity
Severity: 4 (High)
Source: Drum Cussac
10/24/2020 (Congo (Kinshasa)) - At least three people were reportedly killed in clashes between Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) soldiers and Cooperative for the Development of Congo (CODECO) rebels in Irumu territory (Ituri province) on Thursday, October 22. Reports indicate that a group of rebels attacked a pasture in Djupi with a second attack occurring in the village of Zambuti. Security forces remain deployed in the area and continue to conduct search operations.
Further clashes between government forces and militia groups in the near term cannot be ruled out.
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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