The Hema-dominated Union of Congolese Patriots (UPC) seized control of Bunia, the district capital, in August 2002.
[3][5] The attack aimed to drive the UPC from Bogoro, but it also appeared to be a "reprisal operation against the Hema civilian population".
[5] It was part of a plan by Lendu and Ngiti rebels to attack predominantly Hema villages in preparation for an assault on Bunia.
[3] On 24 February 2003, hundreds of FNI and FRPI fighters — including children under the age of fifteen[3] — attacked Bogoro with machetes, spears, arrows, mortars, rocket-propelled grenades, rocket launchers and firearms.
[2][8] Both men were charged with six counts of war crimes (willful killing; inhuman treatment or cruel treatment; using children under the age of fifteen years to participate actively in hostilities; sexual slavery; intentionally directing attacks against civilians; and pillaging) and three counts of crimes against humanity (murder, inhumane acts and sexual slavery).