At least 19 people were killed in a new rebel attack in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as anger grows against United Nations peacekeepers and security forces for failing to protect civilians.
The latest attack on Wednesday took place after fighters belonging to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebel group went into a village near Oicha, about 30km (14 miles) from Beni town.
Donat Kibwana, the administrator of Beni territory, said many family members of the victims were afraid to return to the scene for fear of being attacked, but an initial search found 19 people dead.
“This assessment remains provisional as the search continues,” Kibwana said. “We have reinforced the military presence in the territory of Beni, but also the army has pursued the rebels. We call on the population to remain calm.”