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CONGO (RDC) - Updates on the situation in Congo
January 17, 2026: January 17, 2026 - DRC. Updates on the situation in Congo
We receive from Dominique Gaillard, a friend of Cain of Congolese origin, an update on the grave human rights situation in that nation
As Gaillard has summarised for us in his previous articles (see 24 and 28 December 2025), the former president of Congo, and currently leader of the opposition, Joseph Kabila, is at large because he has been sentenced to death. In the meantime, episodes of guerrilla and counter-guerrilla warfare seem to be taking place, of which, as always, the civilian population pays the highest price.
On 11 January, the rural town of Bukama, population 45,000, the main town of the Haut Lomani region in southern Congo, was the scene of a clash between the army and a local armed group. The past history of Congo, and its long conflict (never entirely extinguished) with neighbouring Rwanda has left many armed groups on the ground, generically called, in Swahili, “Mai-Mai” groups. From fragmentary reports it seems that a Mai-Mai group (probably Mai-Mai Zoulou, traditionally operating in that district) ambushed an army patrol. After the actual fighting, the army (Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo, or FARDC) reportedly retaliated against the civilians.
What follows is the account of events sent to us by Gaillard.
“Serious accusations hang over the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo following the events of 11 January in Bukama, in the Haut- Lomani region.
According to numerous local testimonies, images and videos circulated on social networks and civil society sources, Congolese army soldiers allegedly opened fire on unarmed civilians, killing men, women and children.
Images circulated in the following hours show scenes of extreme violence, with lifeless bodies of unarmed people.
In a statement, the army said it had been attacked by a Mai-Mai group and had reacted to an armed attack.
Video footage and photographs, believed to be authentic by several local observers, would contradict the official version provided by the military authorities.
According to the official version, the toll would be four dead and three wounded among the attackers and one FARDC soldier injured. However, independent sources speak of a punitive operation against the civilian population and report a higher number of casualties, up to ten civilians killed, if not more.
At the moment, there is no definitive tally. Figures vary from source to source and independent verification on the ground has not been possible, partly due to the climate of fear in the area.
According to human rights activists, Bukama is not an isolated case. Similar incidents have reportedly already occurred in other locations in Katanga, a strategic region rich in mineral resources, fuelling recurring allegations of violent repression, arbitrary arrests and extrajudicial executions.
Local organisations and members of the Congolese diaspora are calling for an independent international enquiry and for international criminal justice to shed light on what they describe as possible war crimes.
In the meantime, the population of Bukama remains in shock as pressure grows to establish the truth of the facts, identify responsibility and ensure justice for the victims”.
Dominique Gaillard (Source: HoC)
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