KINSHASA, Congo: Attacks in eastern Congo’s North Kivu province, militants believed to be linked to the Allied Democratic Forces, associated with the Daesh group, killed at least 12 villagers. The attacks targeted three villages in the Beni territory, resulting in casualties and property looting.
The president of the local Mamove civil society organization, Kinos Katuho, reported the incidents, specifying that two people were killed in Mangazi-Kasongo, five in Matadi-Beu, and another five in Mamove. Among the victims was the village chief in Matadi-Beu, and properties were looted during the attacks.
Eastern Congo has been grappling with armed violence for decades, with over 120 groups vying for power, land, and valuable mineral resources. The region has witnessed mass killings, and conflicts intensified in late 2021 with the resurgence of the M23 rebel group, accused of having ties to Rwanda, which Rwanda denies.
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Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi reiterated accusations that the M23 rebels receive support from Rwanda and declared a refusal to engage in dialogue with Rwandan President Paul Kagame over the issue. The United Nations and human rights groups have also pointed to Rwanda’s backing of the militants.
Tshisekedi affirmed, “No dialogue will take place with our aggressor as long as it occupies a portion of our territory,” during a meeting with diplomats in Kinshasa, the Congolese capital. He emphasized a firm stance against compromises related to territorial occupation.
