At least 17 killed in militia attack in northeastern DR Congo

At least 17 people have been killed, including two children, by an attack perpetrated by militiamen in the Ituri region of northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), local authorities have reported.

The attack, which began in the early hours of the morning, took place in the locality of Mbidgjo, located in the Djugu area. The assailants, alleged members of the armed group Cooperative for the Development of Congo (CODECO), used both bladed weapons and firearms, according to sources consulted by the portal ‘7sur7’.

CODECO militiamen have in recent weeks multiplied their actions in the Djugu area, despite the fact that in June the group unilaterally committed itself to respect a cease-fire and to initiate a peace process that could put an end to the insurgency.