Violence erupts in the eastern regions of Congo
In the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, skirmishes have erupted between law enforcement and protesters, who were voicing their discontent over insufficient protection against Islamic aggression. As per local Nord-Kivu authorities, at least four individuals lost their lives during the protests on Saturday. Citizens of Lubero put up barriers, as mentioned by human rights activist Fabrice Rumia to Reuters via phone. A civilian and an agent of the national intelligence service ANR lost their lives during the disputes, local official Julio Mabanga revealed.
Similar protests took place in the city of Butembo, where a crowd of young individuals stormed the streets, armed with sticks, expressing their dissatisfaction regarding the rampant insecurity. A Reuters reporter confirmed this occurrence.
The ADF, an Islamic State-allied group, reportedly murdered over 40 people in an attack on the village of Mayikengo this week. Previously, they are said to have killed over 80 people in attacks on other villages in the province. Originated in neighboring Uganda, the ADF has become prominent in the rich resource-bearing eastern Congo.
The unstable environment led to the death of two soldiers in the Lubero area by a hostile mob during the night leading to Friday, according to Lubero's military administrator, Alain Kiwewa. The soldiers' vehicle was also burned down.
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After the violent protests in the eastern Congo, the Islamists were accused of orchestrating the attacks on civilians. The attacks occurred just after the protests in the city of Butembo, where protesters expressed their dissatisfaction with the rampant insecurity. Despite the violent protests and Islamic attacks, the ADF, an Islamic State-allied group, continued their violent campaign in the region, resulting in the deaths of numerous civilians.
