At Least 32 Civilians Killed by Rebels in Eastern Congo

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric announced that at least 32 civilians were killed by rebel groups in Ituri province, eastern Congo.

Dujarric stated that 20 people were killed by the "Codico" armed militia, and dozens were killed by the "Allied Democratic Forces" loyal to "ISIS".

Describing the situation as "confusing," Dujarric said it was difficult for the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Congo to obtain more information due to restricted movement in the area.

Fighting between the " Codico ", a loose association of different ethnic militias, and another militia called "Zaire", has been going on since 2017 but has recently escalated.

At least 32 civilians were killed by Codico last month, local officials say.

In December 2022, the United Nations said the rebel group is expanding its areas of control, attacking civilians and the Congolese army, and imposing royalties on communities in the areas it controls.