ATTACK BY REBEL GROUP KILLS NINE IN THE DR CONGO

By

Sylvain Muyali

It has been reported that nine civilians were killed by suspected Ugandan rebel groups the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and the National Army for the Liberation of Uganda (NALU) last week in the town of Oicha in the Beni territory of North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The Vice Governor of North Kivu, Feller Lutayichirwa Mulwahale, accompanied by members of the provincial security committee issued a message of assurance to the people affected that security measures have been strengthened to protect the public.

Mulwahale condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist strategy the rebels had adopted as they are increasingly now weakened by the DR Congo military (FARDC) and United Nations stabilisation mission (MONUSCO) on all fronts. He also seized the opportunity to urge people to be vigilant.

The attacks had forced thousands to flee to the nearby towns of Beni and Butembo for safety though reports are now coming in of their gradual return to Oicha.

Of the ADF-NALU rebels reported to have undertaken the attack, four people from DR Congo, Uganda and Kenya have now been captured by Commander Sokola and presented to the provincial authorities. It was announced also that weapons and bomb making materials were found in connection with those captured.

Brigadier Muhindo Akilimali reassured the public and authorities that search operations are continuing without fault and that the enemy forces are currently on the run in the Congolese forests.

Sylvain Muyali

Sylvain Muyali is a Journalist, Photographer and Filmmaker from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He has reported previously for the Associated Press and his words and images can also be found at ‘Vivons Positivement‘