The assault took place at the Lala camp situated in the Djugu district of Ituri province, and it has been attributed to fighters affiliated with the Cooperative for the Development of Congo (CODECO), a loose coalition of militia groups operating within the country.
Shockingly, the majority of the victims, including women and children, perished in their sleep as they were burned alive, according to local reports.
In response to the horrifying incident, the United Nations mission in Congo (MONUSCO) issued a strong condemnation of the attack, revealing that more than 45 individuals lost their lives, with several others sustaining injuries.
“MONUSCO strongly condemns the heinous attack that occurred during the night of June 11th to 12th at the displaced persons site in Lala camp, which resulted in over 45 deaths,” MONUSCO said.
The Lala camp, located in the Djugu district of Ituri province in the northeastern part of Congo, serves as a crucial refuge for those who have been compelled to flee their homes amidst ongoing conflict and violence in the region.
Djugu, like numerous other areas within Ituri province, has been plagued by recurring bouts of interethnic violence and clashes between different communities. As a result, a substantial number of people have been forcibly displaced, seeking shelter and safety in camps such as Lala. The camp plays a vital role in providing essential humanitarian assistance to the displaced population, granting access to vital resources including food, water, sanitation facilities, and healthcare services. Humanitarian organizations, including MONUSCO, are actively engaged in efforts to support and safeguard the vulnerable individuals residing in the camp.
Regrettably, the Lala camp, like many other displacement sites in the region, remains susceptible to security threats, including attacks perpetrated by armed groups. These assaults, which claim the lives of innocent individuals, further exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation prevailing in the area. (ILKHA)