Democratic Republic of the Congo: Clashes between security forces and militia loyal to Kamwina Nsapu in Kananga kill at least 13 people
At least 13 people are reported to have died after Kananga city in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) witnessed two days of deadly violence. The city’s security forces engaged in a battle with militia fighters who were reportedly seeking revenge for their leader’s death.
The fighters were loyal to a tribal chief named Kamwina Nsapu from the Luba ethnic group, who was killed by the military during a shootout in August. Ever since he returned to the country from South Africa in April, he had been opposing the central government.
Violence erupted on Thursday (22 September) when the militia first entered Kananga city and continued into Friday (23 September).
According to state officials and media reports, the militia attacked the airport in the central Congo city on Friday.