Over 1,000 people flee to forest in Congo after clash

By Godfrey Olukya

ARU, Democratic Republic of Congo (AA) – Over a thousand people, mostly women and children are living under dire straits in a forest in central Congo's Kasai province after fleeing clashes between government troops and a militia group, a local chief told Anadolu Agency Monday.

People began fleeing the villages of Dibaya, Demba and Dimbelenge 15 days back when the Kamuina Nsapu militia started attacking their homes, killing innocent people and looting properties. The majority of people fled the area 10 days back when the army started to engage the militia.

''When the militiamen attacked villagers, the army came to fight them. The villagers, who were still hiding in their homes then also fled the clashes,'' Nanga said.

He added that since then the militiamen had been hiding from the army and attack any civilian they come across.

The leader of Kasai Civil society, Kenandi Ngandu, said that because of the militia, doctors and nurses from five health units had fled to Kananga city. Ngandu appealed to the government to ensure their safety.

Army officer Lt. Simon Muamba said the situation was now under control and soon all militiamen would be eliminated from the area. There still some reports of clashes between the government troops and militia members in the area.

The Kamuina Nsapu militia began their attacks in Kananga city on Sept. 24 when they burnt a police station and held a nearby airport under siege for some time before it was repulsed by the army. Later, they began attacking villages, forcing people to flee into the forest.

There are many militia groups in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, which are led by war lords.

Kamuina Nsapu, the leader of the militia accused of causing chaos in central Kasai, was killed by government soldiers a few months back and his fighters are now allegedly avenging their leader's death by killing civilians and looting their properties.