Peacekeepers from the Monusco, UN Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), have reportedly discovered nearly 50 dead civilians in mass graves in an area that has been the target of attacks by armed groups, in the north- east of the country.
« Our colleagues report that mass graves containing the bodies of 42 civilians, including 12 women and 6 children, have been discovered in the village of Nyamamba », in Ituri, said the deputy spokesman for the UN secretary general. , Farhan Haq, adding that “another pit with the bodies of seven men was discovered in the village of Mbogi”, also located in Ituri.
Farhan Haq explains that « peacekeepers conducted a patrol in the area immediately after receiving reports over the weekend of attacks on civilians by Codeco militiamen », and « that’s when they did this horrible discovery ».
Codeco (Cooperative for the Development of Congo) is an armed group structured around a religious sect and considered one of the deadliest groups in eastern DRC. The militia claims to defend members of the Lendu community against the rival Hema community and against the security forces. Its militants are often illustrated by massacres in the province of Ituri, rich in gold and oil.
This province has been under a state of siege decreed for 20 months by the Congolese presidency to fight against the violence of armed groups. But for many observers, this measure is a failure because the massacres of civilians have continued as usual.
By OMA Newsletter N° 1014 of 19/01/2023
Article published under the direction of Dr. Najib Kettani
The OMA, NGO with an Intercontinental vocation
For the development of cultural exchanges
Valuing human potential
The promotion and consolidation of Africa’s development, and
Inter-African integration
