KINSASA, Democratic Republic of the Congo (AP) — A rebel group killed at least 42 people Friday in the Ituri province of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, according to a civil society organization.
Three towns in Djugu territory were attacked by the CODECO militia, explained Dieudonne Lossa, president of the organization in Banyari Kilo, the area where the attacks took place.
“Several houses were burned. There are also seven injured who have not yet received assistance,” Lossa said.
The army confirmed the attack to local press on Friday and said it was searching for the perpetrators.
Although they started in 2017, fighting between CODECO, a loose association comprising various ethnic Lendu militias, and Zaire, a predominantly Hema self-defense group, has worsened recently.
CODECO fighters killed at least 32 civilians in February, according to local authorities. In December, the United Nations said the insurgent group was expanding areas under its control, attacking civilians and soldiers, and taxing communities in their territories.
The killings coincide with an increase in violence in the east of the country, where the conflict has simmered for decades. There are more than 120 armed groups in the region and most fight for control of the land and mines of valuable minerals, although others do so to protect their communities.
