Rebels Kill Scores in East DR Congo, Reports AFP

Rebels Kill Scores in East DR Congo, Reports AFP

Keywords: Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rebels, Killings, East, AFP

According to Agence France-Presse (AFP), rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have killed dozens of civilians in a series of attacks.

The attacks occurred in the Ituri province, where armed groups have been fighting for control of resources and territory. Witnesses reported that the rebels entered villages and indiscriminately killed people.

“They came with machetes and guns, killing anyone they found,” said one survivor who requested anonymity. “They burned houses and looted our belongings.”

Local authorities confirmed the attacks and condemned the violence. They called on the government to increase security in the area and protect civilians from further harm.

The UN peacekeeping mission in DRC (MONUSCO) has also condemned the killings and is working to investigate the incident. MONUSCO has been deployed in the country since 1999 to help maintain peace and security.

The violence in eastern DRC has been ongoing for decades. Armed groups compete for control of mineral resources, including gold, diamond, and coltan. The fighting has displaced millions of people and caused a severe humanitarian crisis.

The international community has repeatedly called for an end to the violence and a political solution to the conflict. However, efforts to negotiate a peace agreement have so far failed.