NAN-F-42
Clash
Goma, Feb. 13, 2017 (dpa/NAN) Twelve persons were killed in clashes between a local militia and security forces in central Congo on Monday, a representative of local civil society groups, has said.
With the death of the 12 persons, the number of people who had died since last week in clashes between the security forces and local militia had risen to 100.
Human rights activist Pius Kalonga said that 12 people were killed and one civilian wounded in clashes between the Kamwena Nsapu militia and security forces in the town of Tshimbulu.
“These rebels are armed and they fire at civilians, police and the military.
“The army has the duty of establishing stability in this area,” government spokesman Lambert Mende said.
The Red Cross had earlier said that no less than 90 people were killed in clashes on Thursday and Friday.
The UN peacekeeping mission in Congo (MONUSCO) had placed the death toll at 50 by Friday evening.
Fighting had broken out sporadically since August last year when the leader of the militia group, Kamwena Nsapu, was killed by police with the rebels attempting to revenge his death.
The militia group is fighting against what it calls “unjust political domination” in Kasai province. (dpa/NAN)
OYE/AEA
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Edited by Celine-Damilola Oyewole/Archibong Asuquo