Riots in the Democratic Republic of Congo, many people died

The incident happened after people took to the streets to protest against a rise in deadly attacks by suspected Islamist militants.

Rubble after riots in Masala village, Beni, Democratic Republic of Congo on June 9, 2024. Photo: Reuters

The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a rebel group affiliated with the Islamic State, is accused of killing more than 40 people in an attack on the village of Mayikengo this week and more than 80 in attacks on other villages in the province the week before.

The unrest has fueled public discontent, leading to a mob killing two soldiers and their driver in Lubero territory by burning their vehicle on Friday night, local official Julio Mabanga said.

On Saturday, clashes continued in the area between security forces and locals, resulting in the deaths of three more people: a civilian, a soldier, and an employee of the National Intelligence Service (ANR).

A similar protest broke out in the city of Butembo on Saturday, with hundreds of young people carrying sticks, shouting slogans and singing songs to protest against widespread insecurity.

"I am at this intersection, blocking the road. We sympathize with our fellow citizens who were killed," said Daniel Sivanzire Paluku, one of the protesters, adding that they needed to block the road to control who came and went.

Butembo Mayor Mowa Baeki Telly confirmed a civilian was killed in clashes between security forces and protesters in the city.

The ADF, which originated in neighboring Uganda but is now based in mineral-rich eastern Congo, has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group and carries out frequent attacks, further destabilizing a region where multiple rebel groups compete for influence and resources.

The US-based SITE Intelligence Group said on Friday that IS had released statements from its affiliate claiming responsibility for killing 51 people in North Kivu this week. The group also claimed to have beheaded more than 60 people in a single attack in the province on June 7.

Hong Hanh (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/bao-loan-o-cong-hoa-dan-chu-congo-nhieu-nguoi-thiet-mang-post299480.html