15 dead in clashes between armed groups in eastern DR Congo

At least 15 people have been killed in clashes between armed groups in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The region has been the scene of heightened ethnic tensions in recent weeks, local authorities said on Monday.

Administrator of the Territory, Bokele Joy said it is difficult for her to give the precise number of people killed in the cashes.

“There have been clashes in the village of Mukeberwa, in North-Kivu province, and from the information I have, about 15 to 30 people have been killed”, Bokele said.

According to her, the fight began when militants attacked the village of Mukeberwa, held by Rwandan Hutu rebels of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR).

Mukeberwa is situated on the borders of Lubero and Walikale, in the east central region of North-Kivu, province. There has been conflicts in the area for more than twenty years.

For several months, leaders of Nande region of Miriki opposed the return of Congolese Hutu, whom they accused of complicities with the FDLR. According to the UN Mission and authorities in the region, the massacre of Miriki aggravated tensions in the community.