In the early hours of 3 July 2024, CODECO militia fighters attacked an artisanal gold mining site operated by Chinese nationals at Wazabo village, in the Banyali-Kilo sector of Djugu Territory, Ituri Province, northeastern DRC. Six Chinese nationals and at least two Congolese soldiers guarding the site were killed; a further eight to nine Chinese workers were reportedly taken hostage and moved to Digene, another area of CODECO influence in Djugu. The attack was confirmed by the Djugu territorial administrator, the Ituri army spokesperson, a Red Cross representative for Djugu, and the Banyali-Kilo sector chief, and was condemned by China's foreign ministry.

Banyali-Kilo Sector, Djugu Territory, Ituri Province, DRC

["1.94642 N, 30.04823 E"]

Attack/Hostage

3 July 2024

CODECO (Coopérative pour le Développement du Congo), a predominantly ethnic-Lendu militia

Chinese nationals engaged in artisanal/informal gold mining; FARDC soldiers guarding the site

8–9 Chinese nationals reported taken hostage, reportedly moved to Digene, a CODECO stronghold in Djugu; figures vary by source

6 Chinese nationals, 2-3 Congolese soldiers, 6 CODECO