Kinshasa: At least 72 people, including nine soldiers and a soldier’s wife, were killed in an attack by armed men in a village in Congo. Local officials said at least 72 people were killed in a militia attack near the capital of Congo in a conflict over land. Violence has intensified between rival communities. The attack took place in Kinsale village, about 100 km east of the capital Kinshasa.
Conflict over land going on for two years
Due to insecurity and poor infrastructure in the area, it is taking several days for the reports of attacks to be registered. A conflict has been going on for two years between the Teke and Yaka communities in the Kinsale Kwamouth region, leading to the death of hundreds of civilians. The attackers were members of the Mbondo militia. This group presents itself as the protector of the Yaka people.
David Bisaka, the provincial deputy for the Kwamouth region, said by phone that the search for other bodies in the bushes was continuing. He said the army was successful in driving away the militia for the second time in a week. The Mbondo militia first tried to attack the village on Friday. At least 72 people were killed in Saturday’s attack. The dead included nine soldiers and a soldier’s wife.
Congolese army struggling to stop violence
Despite a ceasefire signed in April 2024 in the presence of Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi, clashes between communities continue and have intensified in recent weeks. The Congolese army is also struggling to prevent more widespread violence in the east of the country. Many people here want a share in the region’s gold and other resources.
