Government troops clash with CODECO militants around Blue Mountains (Ituri province) October 24-26
Category: Conflict
Severity: 4 (High)
Source: Drum Cussac
10/27/2020 (Congo (Kinshasa)) - Government troops clashed with a faction of the Cooperative for the Development of Congo (CODECO) group in the vicinity of the Blue Mountains in Ituri province between Saturday, October 24, and Monday, October 26. At least 20 rebels and four troops have been killed during the clashes which occurred in the Ezekere area. Reports suggest that security forces have pushed CODECO fighters from the areas of Djokodjo, Ezekere, Kambutso, and Mbetshi. Further fighting was reported on Monday as government troops launched had further operations to prevent the rebels from reorganizing.
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
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 Documents may be amended or withdrawn at any time without cause.