In a recent surge of violence in northeastern Congo, Africa, 14 people lost their lives during an assault on worshippers in a church in Gobu village by the CODECO militia, according to army reports.
This event adds to the unrest in Congo’s volatile east.
The attack, which took place on Sunday evening, August 27, resulted in the death of nine civilians and one Congolese soldier. Colonel Mapela Mviniama confirmed that four members of the militia also died during the encounter. Additionally, injuries were reported among two soldiers and two villagers.
Eastern Congo has long been plagued by violence. At present, over 120 armed factions operate in the region. Most are vying for territorial dominance and access to mineral-rich mines. However, some groups claim to be safeguarding their communities.
Amongst these groups is CODECO, a coalition of ethnic Lendu militias. Their rivalry with Zaire, an ethnic Hema self-defense group, has been ongoing since 2017. According to the African Center for the Study and Research on Terrorism, in the past four years, CODECO has been responsible for the deaths of nearly 1,800 people and has injured over 500.
Recent data from the United Nations suggest that CODECO has expanded its activities. In June, they were responsible for the death of 45 civilians in Ituri province.
Local civil society leader Kinos Katuo said that over the last month groups including CODECO have caused the death of more than 100 people in both the Nord Kivu and Ituri provinces.
