Conflict in DR Congo kills 5 civilians

2 others injured during clashes between police and Mai-Mai militants in eastern city of Goma

By Alaattin Dogru

DAKAR (AA) – Five civilians were killed and two others injured in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo during clashes between security forces and an armed militia group, local media reported on Wednesday.

According to local media reports, clashes between security forces and Mai-Mai militia group members broke out in the town of Buhene in the province of Goma when the armed group intervened in protests led by civilians.

The protesters were demonstrating against forced evacuations in the town.

The state administration announced that planned evacuations in the region were delayed by the clashes.

Gen. Edmond Ilunga -- chief of the army in North Kivu -- visited Buhene after the clashes and gave the militia group 48 hours to surrender.

The insurgent group has been carrying out attacks in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo for about a decade.

Kaynak: