23 people killed in clashes in central DR Congo

Three days of fighting between police and local militia in Democratic Republic of Congo’s central Tshikapa region in Kasai district have left 23 people dead.

According to the deputy governor of Kasai, Hubert Nvula, the fighting which erupted on Friday through to Sunday left 13 dead and 14 injured among security forces, while 10 militia fighters were killed.

The weekend clashes reportedly stemmed from a succession conflict between a traditional chief and his uncle.

The restive region has witnessed increased violence in the recent past. In September, at least 13 people were killed in two days of clashes pitting security forces against local rebels.

The fighting comes at a time that DRC is engulfed in a tense political atmosphere, with about weeks to the official end of President Joseph Kabila’s mandate.