DRC: 40 killed in Ituri ethnic violence March 12-13 /update 3

Event

According to local sources, around 40 people were killed in clashes between members of the Hema and Lendu ethnic communities in Djugu territory (Ituri province; northeast) that broke out on Monday, March 12, and continued into Tuesday. Government officials said on Tuesday that they had recorded 30 deaths. Further unrest and intercommunal violence are expected in Ituri province in the coming weeks.

Context

Violence between the Hema and the Lendu communities has increased in recent months, leading to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people. As of March 13, at least 150 people had been killed in Ituri since December 2017. The violence has most acutely affected the Djugu territory, where, according to the UN, over 28,000 people have fled burning villages to Bunia in recent weeks. Acts of violence frequently target women and children.
The government's limited role in the eastern provinces, as well as the presence of numerous armed groups and local self-defense militias, have fomented continued insecurity in the area.

Advice

Individuals in Ituri province and elsewhere in northeastern DRC are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all gatherings due to the potential for violence, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.