Djugu: CODECO militia attacks kill civilians and displace thousands

Violence attributed to CODECO militia in the Djugu territory of Ituri has resulted in multiple deaths and the mass displacement of thousands of civilians. On October 12, an attack on the Rhoo displacement site killed at least four people, including a woman, two children, and a man.

Following threats of imminent attacks, approximately 6,000 displaced persons fled sites in Rhoo and Djangi to seek refuge near MONUSCO bases in Rhoo and Drodro. During the exodus, at least two children reportedly died. MONUSCO forces responded to the threat by reinforcing protection measures and firing warning shots to deter armed elements.

In addition to the deaths at the displacement sites, incursions in the Blukwa area and surrounding villages have led to further casualties, including at least one man killed, as well as reports of homes being burned and property being looted. Local civil society leaders have called for increased protection for displaced populations, noting that returning to original villages remains unsafe due to ongoing insecurity.