Manguredjipa Paralyzed After Deadly Protest Against Insecurity in Lubero

Manguredjipa, January 28, 2026 - Socio-economic activities slowed sharply in Manguredjipa, the main town of the Bapere sector in Lubero territory, on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, marking the second day of unrest triggered by a protest against rising insecurity linked to Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) attacks. Shops remained closed, agricultural work was suspended, and traffic was severely disrupted. On the previous day, local women had erected barricades at the main entry and exit points of the town. Some protesters marched barefoot, while others demonstrated topless, a traditional sign of indignation in the face of persistent violence. The demonstration, organized on Tuesday, January 27, turned violent, leaving two people dead and three others seriously injured. The victims, all young boys, were reportedly killed by gunfire attributed to security forces during the protest. Among the injured were a woman, a six-month-old infant, and another young boy, all evacuated to medical facilities for urgent treatment. The unrest also caused significant material damage. The residence of the sector chief was vandalized, a motorcycle was set on fire, and several household appliances were destroyed. These incidents led to the closure of the local market, further paralyzing economic life. The protest came just 72 hours after an ADF attack in the village of Musenge, in the Baswagha chiefdom, during which several houses, a health center, and a Catholic church were burned down. The attack also caused mass displacement and the deaths of two FARDC soldiers.