Warring Gunmen Kill Dozens In DR Congo Amid Escalating Unrest
Fresh gun violence in DR Congo killed at least 69 people.
At least 69 people have been killed in fresh violence in the northeastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo as clashes between rival militia groups intensified in the conflict-hit Ituri province. Local officials and security sources said the attacks were linked to long-running ethnic tensions and competition for control over the region’s mineral-rich territories.
According to reports, gunmen associated with the Codeco militia, formally known as the Cooperative for the Development of Congo, carried out coordinated attacks on several villages on April 28. The militia claims to defend the interests of the Lendu community, which has been involved in years of violent conflict with the Hema ethnic group in the region. The latest violence marks another escalation in eastern Congo, where armed groups have battled for decades over land, resources and political influence.
The attacks reportedly followed an earlier assault by another armed faction, the Convention for the Popular Revolution (CRP), which identifies itself as a group fighting for the Hema community. The CRP had targeted positions held by the Congolese army near the locality of Pimbo, triggering retaliatory violence that further destabilised the area. Security sources said the death toll included civilians, militia members and government soldiers.
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Ituri province remains one of the most volatile regions in eastern Congo due to its vast gold reserves and strategic location bordering Uganda and South Sudan. The area has witnessed repeated cycles of ethnic conflict involving Hema and Lendu communities, with militias often exploiting local grievances and weak state control. The broader eastern Congo conflict has persisted for nearly three decades, fuelled by competition over mineral wealth and the presence of numerous armed groups.
Humanitarian and security sources said the recovery and burial of bodies has been delayed because armed fighters remain active in several affected areas. While some officials reported that only around 25 bodies had been buried so far, aid workers described scenes of bodies lying unattended near villages such as Bosa, which was also targeted during the attacks. Concerns have grown over worsening humanitarian conditions and the safety of civilians trapped in the violence-hit region.
The Congolese government and military have repeatedly attempted to contain militia activity in Ituri and neighbouring provinces, but insecurity continues despite military operations and regional peace efforts. The latest killings are expected to increase pressure on authorities and international organisations to strengthen security measures and humanitarian support in eastern Congo.
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