25 civilians killed in DR Congo rebel attack

Some 25 civilians have been killed by Militiamen from the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Nande ethnic group.

Local authorities and activists say almost all of them were hacked to death with machetes; one woman was shot dead in the process.

“In total, 25 people were killed, decapitated by machete, by the Mai Mai Mazembe in and around the village of Kyaghala, All of these people were Hutu civilians.” Francis Bakundakabo, the local representative of the provincial governor said .

“This raid by the Mai-Mai Mazembe in the Hutu village will enflame the inter-ethnic conflict in the region,” he added.

The Mai-Mai Mazembe are a “self-defence” militia made up of DR Congo’s Nande, Hunde and Kobo communities. They are opposed by the Nyaturu group who represent ethnic Hutus.

The last time the groups clashed was in December with at least 35 civilians losing their lives.

The current atmosphere is not good for the DRC which has been in political crisis for sometime now with incumbent Joseph Kabila refusing to step down despite his mandate coming to an end.

The international community has asked for the right thing to be done.