DRC: Soldiers kill 13 militia members in Ituri clashes March 24

Event

On Saturday, March 24, the Congolese military announced that unidentified rebel militia members had attacked Congolese soldiers near the villages of Jemi and Penyi in Ituri province's Djugu territory, killing one soldier and wounding two others. The soldiers reportedly killed 13 militia members in the ensuing clashes. Further skirmishes between Congolese security forces and militia members are possible in Ituri province in the coming days and weeks.

Context

The government's limited role in the eastern provinces (including in Ituri province), as well as the presence of numerous armed groups and local self-defense militias, have fomented continued insecurity in the area.

Violence between the Hema and the Lendu communities has increased in northeastern DRC in recent months, leading to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people. Acts of violence frequently target women and children. A primary source of conflict between the two groups is land disputes; traditionally, the Lendu are settled farmers, and the Hema are pastoralists.

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.