Escalating Violence in Ituri

Militias Mobilize as Uganda Watches Closely

The situation in Ituri, in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, is growing increasingly dire. Congolese militias are committing atrocities in Bunia, leaving numerous civilians dead or injured. In response, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and General Kainerugaba, Chief of Defence of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF), have voiced their concerns over the escalating violence.

Amid this crisis, the Runyakitara tribe, along with 21 other tribes in Ituri, has formed a political organization to fight for their survival. Seven fully armed militias have also established a joint high command to protect themselves and their families, as the government in Kinshasa has proven either unable or unwilling to defend them. This coalition has declared its intent to attack the Congolese army (FARDC) and its allied militias, aiming to drive them out of Ituri. They have also urged Uganda and the UPDF to stay out of the conflict.

An agreement had initially been reached for the UPDF to be deployed to Bunia, but this plan was abruptly cancelled at the last minute. The primary victims of these attacks are speakers of Rutara languages, which are spoken on both sides of the DRC-Uganda border. As the violence intensifies, Uganda is finding it increasingly difficult to restrain the militias in the face of mass killings.

According to a commander within the militia coalition, they have now joined forces with the AFC/M23, and preparations are complete for imminent attacks against the FARDC. Meanwhile, MONUSCO has already evacuated its staff and their families from Beni to Kinshasa via Entebbe.