Ituri (DRC): the Congolese army and MONUSCO launch a joint offensive against armed groups

Troops of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), supported by the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO), launched an offensive against the Zaire and CODECO gunmen* in the Banyari Kilo sector, Djugu territory, Ituri province, in the northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The offensive began a week ago, the Congolese army spokesperson said, adding the operation’s aim is to neutralize rebel factions who refuse to comply with the ongoing peace process in the region. The information is confirmed by traditional leaders who also ask the government to extend these operations to all 13 groups occupied by the militia for five years.

INFO SOS Médias Burundi

According to the army spokesperson in Ituri province, these operations began on June 29, with as the main objective to dismantle the groups which continue to defy recent ceasefire agreements.

“The operations initially focused on the locality of Madombo, known to be a stronghold of the Zaire armed group. The FARDC, supported by MONUSCO, encountered no significant resistance there, which facilitated their progress.

Subsequently, military operations extended to areas under the control of CODECO, notably the localities of Itendey and Lisey,” said the spokesperson for the Congolese army in the province of Ituri, who specified that one of the most important CODECO bases was targeted by airstrikes carried out by FARDC helicopters. Around ten militiamen died, three FARDC soldiers and a civilian were injured during these clashes, according to an official report.

The army also reports having destroyed several weapons belonging to the gunmen. In their flight, CODECO fighters committed atrocities, including the assassination of six Chinese nationals in Abombi and six Congolese burned alive in their homes in Beba, according to military sources.

Faced with this situation, local authorities firmly support the military option, believing that attempts at community dialogue have failed to bring peace.

The traditional leaders of the region are asking the government to strengthen and extend these military operations in all the 13 groups occupied by the militia for around five years. They believe a more robust and extensive intervention is needed to restore security and order throughout the region.

The army spokesperson in Ituri assured the population that these military operations will continue until the armed groups are completely neutralized, thus promising to restore peace and security in the region.

CODECO*: Cooperative for the development of Congo

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CODECO militiamen in Ituri (SOS Médias Burundi)