Haut-Lomami: Suspected Bakata Katanga Attack Leaves at Least Eight Dead in Bukama

Bukama, January 12, 2026 - An attack attributed to suspected Bakata Katanga militiamen left at least eight people dead on Sunday, January 11, in the territory of Bukama, Haut-Lomami province. According to local authorities, six militiamen and two civilians were killed, while several others were wounded during clashes that erupted as FARDC reinforcements were passing through a public area near a market. Civilians were reportedly struck by stray bullets during the exchange of fire. The clashes lasted for about one hour, involving soldiers who had just arrived from the Kamina military base and armed elements linked to the Bakata Katanga movement. Another FARDC reinforcement unit, composed of around 60 soldiers, was also targeted. Authorities indicated that military reinforcements were deployed not only in Bukama but also in other territories of Haut-Lomami, including Kabongo, following rising insecurity. Information about the troop movements is believed to have circulated in advance, contributing to the ambush. The army later confirmed the attack on one of its units, identifying the assailants as members of a group calling itself Mai-Mai Zulu, and reported four militiamen killed and one soldier wounded.