DRC: Government troops clash with CODECO rebels near Bunia (Ituri province) October 24

Event

Government troops clashed with suspected Cooperative for the Development of Congo (CODECO) rebels on the outskirts of Bunia (Ituri province) on Saturday, October 24. Reports suggest that fighting occurred when the rebels attacked military positions in the vicinity of Kijogo and Fichama which caused the displacement of the populations of Fêlé and part of Kindia district. Witnesses claim that at least two government soldiers were wounded in the fighting, which resulted in the repulse of the attackers. Additional operations were launched to pursue the rebels.

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.

Advice

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.