The Cooperative for the Development of the Congo, CODECO, is one of myriad armed groups operating in the restive, mineral-rich region of DR Congo
They claim to protect the Lendu community from another ethnic group, the Hema, and the army.
A string of atrocities in recent days that claimed 30 lives, including women and children, are believed to be an act by CODECO fighters.
The CODECO insurgents killed at least 17 people captured in the Djugu territory. The incident happened around 45 kilometres (30 miles) north of Bunia in Ituri province, DR Congo.
Also, it was reported that the victims were passengers aboard four vehicles. There were heading to Mungwalu, in Ituri province.
“They were taken hostage after three CODECO members were killed in a clash with a rival militia.
“Among those taken hostage was a pregnant woman.” a source who doesn’t want to be identified stated.
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Numerous armed organisations afflict the region. Many of these are a result of local conflicts that erupted in the 1990s and 2000s in Eastern part of DR Congo,
One of the areas with the worst violence is the province of Ituri. Attacks in the place regularly result in the deaths of dozens of people.
