Democratic Republic of the Congo – AFP
At least five people have been killed in clashes between security forces and angry residents in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Donut Mondongo, commander of the Lupero military district in North Kivu province (east): Angry people tried to blockade a police station in the town of Kirumba in retaliation for a man who stole a motorcycle, but were confronted by police. He said the situation quickly worsened as the crowd gathered in front of the police station, so police had no choice but to shoot in the air to flee in front of angry residents.
He continued, “Unfortunately, four people were killed and seven injured by the wrong bullets. The thief was burned to death inside the police station, which was set on fire by angry residents.” “The security situation is still tense as protesters continue to burn the houses of police officers here in Kirumba,” the army official confirmed.
Since Thursday, residents of this business city have been protesting against the inability of local authorities to put an end to the latest kidnapping waves in their city. On Friday, protesters set fire to public buildings in Kirumba, killing one person during a demonstration. Krumba is located in the district of Lupero, where several armed groups operate, and is located 175 km north of the provincial capital, Coma.
Since May 6, authorities have imposed a siege on North Kivu and Iduri against armed groups that terrorize civilians. President Felix CZKD replaced the civilian officers in these two provinces with military and police officers.
“Creator. Award-winning problem solver. Music evangelist. Incurable introvert.”