More than 80 civilians were killed in a late-night attack by the armed group CODECO on a cluster of villages in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo earlier this week, according to the UN peacekeeping mission MONUSCO. The attack, which occurred in Djugu territory, Ituri province, has raised alarm over the escalating violence in the region.
The updated death toll of over 80 civilians far exceeds the initial estimate of at least 51 fatalities reported by local authorities immediately after the attack. The assault took place overnight on Monday, leaving communities devastated and homes destroyed.
MONUSCO Peacekeepers Respond to CODECO Militia Attack
MONUSCO stated that it deployed peacekeepers to counter the assault as quickly as possible. However, the militants’ use of bladed weapons instead of firearms delayed the mission’s response. By the time peacekeepers arrived, CODECO had already killed more than 80 civilians, set homes ablaze, and spread panic among the population.
CODECO is one of many armed groups operating in eastern Congo, where militias fight over land and resources. The group has frequently targeted displacement camps, which have expanded significantly due to recent advances by the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. The ongoing conflict has created a dire humanitarian crisis in the region.
M23 Rebels Advance Sparks Humanitarian Crisis in Eastern Congo
The M23 rebel group has been advancing southward since capturing Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo, at the end of last month. According to UN figures, approximately 3,000 people were killed in the days leading up to the city’s capture. The rebels’ movement from North Kivu province into South Kivu province threatens to trigger a full-scale humanitarian catastrophe, local officials warn.
The recent attacks by CODECO and the advance of M23 rebels highlight the escalating violence in eastern Congo. The region faces a deepening humanitarian crisis, with thousands displaced and hundreds killed. International attention and intervention are urgently needed to address the growing conflict and protect vulnerable civilians.
