On September 17, 2024, a devastating midnight raid by the CODECO militia claimed the lives of ten civilians in Ituri province, eastern Congo. The attack occurred in Djugu territory, an area predominantly inhabited by the Hema community. The assailants struck two households, leading to the death of ten individuals.
Local authorities reported gruesome details: some of the victims were decapitated, while others suffered severe mutilation. This horrific assault unfolded near a Congolese military position, raising questions about the security measures in place. The CODECO militia, part of a broader array of armed groups in the region, has faced accusations of war crimes from the United Nations. This incident follows a troubling pattern of violence against communities such as the Hema herders.
Jean Marie Mateso, head of the local administration, expressed mounting frustration and anxiety as rumors began to circulate about possible future attacks on neighboring villages. By Tuesday morning, local civil society leader Jules Tsuba confirmed that the bodies of the victims were still lying in the village, underscoring the urgent need for a response.
The CODECO militia’s actions are part of a larger, ongoing conflict over land and resources in the region, reflecting the deep-seated tensions and instability that continue to affect eastern Congo.