GOMA, Congo — Militia Attack Claims Lives of Six Chinese Miners and Two Congolese Soldiers
A recent militia attack on a gold mine in northeastern Congo resulted in the tragic loss of six Chinese miners and two Congolese soldiers, according to a civil society group. The assault occurred in the village of Gambala and targeted the nearby “Camp Blanquette” gold mine in the Ituri province. Jean Robert Basiloko, a member of a local civil society group, revealed that the militia responsible for the attack was known as the Cooperative for the Development of the Congo, or CODECO.
The Complex Conflict in Eastern Congo
Eastern Congo has been plagued by ongoing conflict between government forces and numerous armed groups for years. This violence often involves attacks on civilians as militias vie for control over the region’s valuable resources, such as gold. In recent months, the situation has escalated as security forces continue to combat these armed groups.
Insight: The Conflict Over Resources
The violence in Congo’s resource-rich region is fueled by economic ambitions and power struggles among various armed groups. The rivalry between CODECO and the Zaire Militia illustrates the complex dynamics at play in the conflict. The Zaire Militia, a faction that split from CODECO, vehemently opposes its former allies, leading to further tensions and violence.
CODECO: A Deadly Force
CODECO, comprised mainly of militia groups from the ethnic Lendu farming community, has been responsible for numerous deadly attacks in recent years. According to the African Center for the Study and Research on Terrorism, attacks by CODECO resulted in the deaths of nearly 1,800 people and left over 500 others wounded in the span of four years leading up to 2022. The United Nations has even raised concerns that some of these attacks may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The Tragic Aftermath
During the recent attack, the militia set homes on fire before launching an assault on the gold mine, which was guarded by the Zaire Militia. In addition to the loss of six Chinese miners and two Congolese soldiers, two other miners were abducted, with their whereabouts currently unknown. This tragic event underscores the urgent need for improved security measures and efforts to end the cycle of violence in the region.
