At least 69 people have been killed in a deadly militia attack in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, according to local officials and security sources cited by Agence France-Presse (AFP).
The massacre reportedly occurred in the conflict-hit eastern region of North Kivu Province, where armed groups continue to operate despite ongoing military operations by Congolese forces and regional security initiatives.
Local authorities said the attackers stormed villages overnight, killing dozens of civilians and leaving several others injured. Many residents reportedly fled into nearby forests following the assault.
Security officials suspect the attack was carried out by one of the numerous militias operating in eastern Congo, a region that has experienced decades of violence linked to ethnic tensions, control of mineral resources, and armed insurgencies. However, authorities had not officially confirmed responsibility by Saturday evening.
A local administrator quoted by AFP described the incident as one of the deadliest recent attacks in the area.
“We have counted at least 69 bodies so far, and the search is continuing,” the official said.
The latest violence comes amid growing insecurity in eastern DR Congo, where groups such as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), CODECO militias and M23 rebels have intensified attacks on civilians in recent years. Thousands of people have been displaced across North Kivu and Ituri provinces due to ongoing clashes.
Humanitarian agencies have repeatedly warned about worsening conditions in the region, including mass displacement, food insecurity and limited access to medical services. The United Nations peacekeeping mission in Congo, MONUSCO, has continued to support Congolese forces in efforts to stabilise affected areas.
The Congolese government has yet to issue a comprehensive statement on the latest killings, though security operations were reportedly underway in the affected area by Saturday night.
