In a tragic incident in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, CODECO militants launched attacks that resulted in the deaths of more than 50 civilians, including at least 18 children, in the Djaiba region. Victims suffered horrific fates as houses were set ablaze, with many burnt to death inside. Local officials condemned the acts, stating that the military response came too late to prevent the massacre. The conflict in the region, driven by various militias competing for land and resources, exacerbates the vulnerability of displaced populations, highlighting the challenges faced by UN peacekeepers in protecting civilians.
"There are people injured, many burnt to death in their homes," Vianney said, putting the provisional death toll at 51 and saying he expected it to rise.
"What happened to the Djaiba group is the worst in terms of the deaths of our people, and we strongly condemn it," he told Reuters news agency by telephone.
U.N. mission spokesman Jean-Tobie Okala said in a statement that peacekeepers had managed to protect displaced people in the camp, but they are limited especially when the attackers come in large numbers.
CODECO is one of a myriad of militias fighting over land and resources in east Congo. It has frequently targeted displacement camps.
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