Local socio-political actors in Ituri Province have condemned what they describe as a deadly aerial bombardment by the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) that allegedly killed civilians in Djugu territory.
In a communiqué released this week, a group identified as Byaru del’Ituri1, represented by socio-political actor and peace advocate Mughera, said it was “deeply shocked and indignant” by images showing bodies of civilians reportedly killed during an airstrike in the Bahema Badjeré chieftaincy.
The statement strongly denounced the incident as an unacceptable act of violence against civilians and called for those responsible to be brought to justice. It placed responsibility on Military Governor Luboya Kashama, who oversees Ituri under the state of siege, arguing that the operation was carried out with his authorization.
The group issued several demands, including the immediate halt of aerial bombardments conducted without what it described as proper expert identification and localization of enemy targets.
It also called for an independent investigation into the circumstances of the attack, judicial proceedings against those found responsible, and urgent humanitarian assistance for victims and their families.
Ituri Province has been under a state of siege since 2021, a measure introduced by the Congolese government to curb violence by armed groups.
Despite this, the region continues to experience recurrent attacks and significant civilian suffering, prompting growing criticism from civil society over the conduct of security operations.
As of press time, neither MONUSCO nor provincial authorities had issued an official response to the allegations.
Human rights observers and local leaders say the incident underscores the need for greater transparency and stricter adherence to international humanitarian law in military operations involving civilian populations.
The alleged airstrike has intensified calls for accountability and renewed debate over the effectiveness and human cost of current security strategies in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.