Codeco militia massacre claims 36 lives in Congo

In the gold-rich Ituri province in northeast Democratic Republic of Congo, a devastating incident unfolded as more than 20 civilians lost their lives in a brutal attack by the Cooperative for the development of Congo (Codeco) militia. This militia, purportedly advocating for the Lendu tribe in their conflict with the Hema tribe, carried out a violent assault on the village of Lodjo. The initial strike on Thursday resulted in the tragic deaths of eight innocent civilians, with a subsequent attack on Friday escalating the death toll to 36.

Reports have surfaced indicating that the intervention of the Congolese army was delayed, allowing the massacre to unfold unchecked. The aftermath of these heinous attacks has left the local community in a state of shock and displacement. The devastating events led to the loss of 28 lives on Friday, with a significant number of civilians being forced to flee their homes. Among the victims were gold miners, women, and children, underscoring the indiscriminate and tragic nature of the violence.

This tragic incident is part of a series of assaults by Codeco militias on villages within the province since the start of the year. The persistent violence in the region poses a grave threat to the safety and security of the local population, emphasizing the critical need for immediate intervention and protective measures.

The recent attack by the Codeco militia in the Ituri province of Congo has resulted in a devastating loss of innocent lives and has left the community reeling in shock and fear. The ongoing violence underscores the urgent requirement for swift action to safeguard the affected population and bring an end to the cycle of brutality and bloodshed in the region.