KIKWIT: In a tragic incident, 14 people were killed in the western Democratic Republic of Congo, with 12 of them being hacked to death by unidentified assailants wielding machetes.
The attack took place in the village of Kimpasi, located in the Bagata territory of Kwilu province, on Friday. A local administrative official who came to investigate the situation was also killed.
According to the territory’s administrator, Amedee Bangambuma, militants killed Kimpasi’s village chief on Monday, and all the victims were members of the Teke community.
The western DRC has been witnessing a conflict between the Teke and Yaka communities since June, which started over a dispute concerning taxes and land.
The Teke community members consider themselves to be the original inhabitants of villages that span 200 kilometres (120 miles) along the Congo River. The Yaka people settled in the area after the Teke community.
Security situation in Western DR Congo
However, this has led to a conflict between the two communities that has been ongoing for several months, resulting in the loss of many lives.
The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has stated that the conflict has claimed 180 lives. However, aid groups believe that the actual death toll is much higher.
The United Nations has reported that tens of thousands of people have fled their villages due to the conflict.
AFP was unable to verify the details of the attacks. The incident highlights the dire situation in the DRC, where several armed groups continue to operate despite repeated attempts to restore peace in the region. – AFP
