Mining Sites Attacked by Unidentified Armed Men

Mambasa March 12, 2026 - Several mining sites in the Mambasa territory of Ituri Province were targeted by unidentified armed men late Wednesday evening, March 12. The assaults caused panic among residents and miners, forcing many to abandon their homes. Some spent the night outdoors, while others fled to Badengaido, the main town of the Bombo chiefdom. According to local civil society sources, the attacks began around 8:00 p.m. in the Enjewa mining group, including the areas of Muchacha and Mavuvu, and continued into Thursday morning, creating a state of severe insecurity. Several houses were reportedly burned down, and many families were left displaced. Jospin Paluku Mbowa, coordinator of the New Congolese Civil Society in Mambasa, said, “The residents and miners were taken by surprise. Many had to leave their homes, and several families spent the night outside. These assailants stormed various mining sites, causing widespread fear.” Local authorities have not yet released an official assessment of the material damage or potential casualties. The Mambasa territory, rich in mineral resources, remains vulnerable to armed incursions, putting the safety of civilians and mining operations at continual risk.