Ituri: At least 11 civilians killed in CODECO militia attack

At least eleven civilians, primarily women and elderly individuals, were killed in an attack on the village of Maze in the Djugu territory of Ituri, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The attack, attributed to the CODECO militia, occurred around 3:00 AM on Friday, October 9, 2026, ending several months of relative calm in the region.

The cultural association ENTE, representing the Hema community, has strongly condemned the massacre. The organization stated that the violence undermines peace efforts and called on CODECO militants to honor previous peace commitments and join the national disarmament and stabilization program (P-DDRCS). ENTE also urged the Congolese government to intensify operations against illegal armed groups.

Following the incident, approximately one hundred civilians fled to the vicinity of the MONUSCO base in Drodro to seek safety. UN peacekeepers have increased patrols in the area to protect the population and prevent further incursions.