Anti-government protests have erupted in the town of Beni, in DR Congo after the weekend massacres. Ugandan rebel group the Allied Democratic Forces is being blamed for hacking at least 36 people to death. Some reports put the death toll far higher. The country’s observing three days of national mourning.
Residents in the DR Congi town of Beni are furious, and they are accusing the government of doing little to protect them in the wake of the scores killed over the weekend. The army is pointing fingers at a Ugandan group called the Allied Democratic Forces. It says the group is taking revenge for military operations in the area.
“I think the international community needs to acknowledge the difficulties we’re facing.” said Crispin Atama Tabe, Defence Minister, DRC
The attacks come just days after President Joseph Kabila visited the region, promising to do everything in his power to bring peace and security. More than 600 people have been killed in massacres in and around the troubled town of Beni since 2014.
“The fight is tough, it will last long time, but we’ll win in the end. I’m optimistic.” insisted the Minister
Beni lies on the edge of the Virunga national park, a popular hideout for militant groups active in North Kivu.
