Tragic Attack by ADF Rebels in Walese-Vonkutu Chiefdom

Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels strike again

The rebels of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) have once again plunged the Walese-Vonkutu chiefdom into mourning with another attack on Friday 27 December. This tragic event took place in the village of Loya, located on the RN4 south of Irumu territory in Ituri province.

Casualties and Destruction

Two civilians were killed in this umpteenth attack by the rebels, confirmed Christophe Munyanderu, coordinator of the Convention for the Respect of Human Rights (CRDH) in the region. He also reported that houses were burned and five people were kidnapped by these jihadists.

Human Rights Activist’s Statement

“The ADF rebels have once again brought sorrow to the Walese-Vonkutu Chiefdom, more precisely to the village of Loya, about 19 kilometres south of Komanda. Two civilians, all men, were killed, but houses were also burnt and five people were taken hostage,” the human rights activist confirmed.

Recent Developments

This new attack by the rebels comes after the release of eight hostages by the FARDC-UPDF coalition in Ndimo, in the same chiefdom, on Tuesday 24 December.

FARDC-UPDF Coalition’s Success in Irumu Territory

Release of Civilians

Civil society sources in the Irumu area, contacted by Virunga Mountains to confirm the news, suggested that the victims were captured during recent ADF attacks on the Eringeti-Kaïnama and Komanda-Mambasa road sections.

“A total of 8 civilians have been released by the FARDC-UPDF coalition since Tuesday 24 December. These civilians were captured during recent attacks on the Eringeti-Kaïnama and Komanda-Mambasa road sections. These victims had passed through the village of Ndimo in the Walese-Vonkutu chiefdom,” said Soniau Malangayi, first vice-coordinator of the structure, on Friday 27 December.

Impact of Coalition Efforts

The successes of the FARDC-UPDF coalition are currently being felt and praised in the southern part of the Irumu territory, particularly with the pacification of certain entities, former strongholds of the ADF rebels. However, some sectors of the population are calling for an increase in the number of troops in order to eradicate the enemy once and for all.

Previous Rescues

It should be recalled that on the night of 30 to 31 October, the FARDC-UPDF coalition rescued 117 hostages from ADF rebels in the depths of the Mount Hoyo forest, in the Walese-Vonkutu chiefdom in the south of Irumu territory.

Vandalism in Manda: Youths Attack PNC Sub-Command

Incident Overview

In Manda, in the Kaliko-Omi chiefdom of the Aru territory, youths destroyed the Congolese National Police (PNC) sub-command and set fire to five houses. This tragic event took place on Tuesday 24 December at around 23:00 local time.

Condemnation by Local Authorities

This barbaric act by young people, whose aim remains unclear at this stage, has been strongly condemned by the local customary authority. According to the same source, three of the thugs have been arrested by the law enforcement authorities.

Statement from Chief Djamba Aloma

“The youths destroyed the PNC office in Manda Subciat and set fire to five houses. Three of them have been arrested by the police and are awaiting questioning as to their motives for this act, which we deplore,” condemned Djamba Aloma, Chief of the Kaliko-Omi Chiefdom.

Call for Better Behaviour

Chief Djamba Aloma calls on the young people of the region to avoid anti-values and to behave better during this festive period. “That young people behave properly, especially during this festive period, because even after the party, life goes on,” he urged.

Causes of Vandalism

It should be noted that the consumption of strong alcoholic drinks and other narcotics is the main cause of vandalism by some young people in Ituri Province these days.

Joram Jojo