DRC: Scores Die in Eastern Congo Clashes
Kinshasa--At least 36 people have been killed in fresh clashes between government forces and a militia group in the war-stricken east of Democratic Republic of Congo.
Eastern DR Congo has been beset by numerous armed groups seeking to control the mineral-rich region, with conflict pitting neighbouring nations, with some said to be backing the rebel activities in the area.
A spokesman of the UN mission in DR Congo (MONUSCO) reported that APCLS militia attacked the Kitchanga town in North Kivu province on Wednesday targeting members of area’s ethnic community said to be supporting the M23 rebels.
At least 30 houses were razed down in the fighting in the town, about 80km west of the regional headquarters of Goma. More than 3000 people are said to be taking refuge around a UN base in the town.
"This morning Monusco reported gunshots in the area. The mission says that between 3,000 and 4,000 Congolese have now taken refuge around its base in Kitchanga," MONUSCO’s Eduardo Del Buey was quoted by the AFP news agency saying.
Ten civilians are reported to have been killed in the fighting, wounding at least 50 others, including a UN peacekeeper.
The M23 rebels under General Bosco Ntaganda broke ranks in the Congolese army in April citing failed promises by the President Joseph Kabila government and have since then fighting the government forces over control of Eastern DRC.
Earlier on Sunday leaders from the eleven Great Lakes regional nations signed a new peace agreement aimed at restoring stability in the east of DR Congo. The peace deal follows talks between DRC government and M23 rebels since November in neighbouring Uganda.
Meanwhile the M23 says it has sacked leader of its political wing, Jean-Marie Runiga whom it accuses of treason. This follows last week’s fighting between the group’s two rival factions in Rutshuru, 70 km north of Goma that claimed eight lives.
Johannesburg, South Africa
South Africa Police Suspend Officers in Taxi Driver Drag Arrest
South African police has suspended eight of its officers implicated in the death of a taxi driver dragged along the streets tied from back of a van.
The Mozambican driver Mido Macia, 27, died in police custody of head injuries and internal bleeding according to initial post mortem report. He was reportedly arrested for reckless parking that held up traffic.
His brutal arrest Tuesday, captured on video by an onlooker showed unformed police in Daveyton, east of Johannesburg tie him to a van and drag him away as the crowd watched.
Riah Phiyega, the police commissioner, has condemned the brutal treatment involving the officers, ordering their suspension and disarmament, pending their investigation. Also the local station commander has been removed from his post.
"The [police] management regrets the incident that led to the death of Mido Macia," Phiyega said."We would like to assure the country and the world, that what was in the video is not how police in South Africa goes about its work."
South African President Jacob Zuma has condemned the incident as “horrific and unacceptable”, following its broadcast nationwide on Thursday that has sparked wide condemnation.
"The visuals of the incident are horrific, disturbing and unacceptable. No human being should be treated in that manner," Zuma said in a statement that described the incident as "the tragic death of a man in the hands of the police".
South Africa police has come under intense scrutiny over recent happening involving its forces. A judicial commission is investigating the killing of 34 striking miners last august by police in Marikana mines northwest of Johannesburg.
Also its credibility has been dented after emerging that the lead detective in the murder case against Olympic athlete Oscar Pistorius was himself accused of attempted murder in three different incidents.
The police has said it will fully support the independent investigations into Mr Macia’s death, and shall be transparent about its outcome.