Over 100 civilians killed in DRC clashes

The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) warned Tuesday that it has received "troubling reports" that recent clashes between Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) troops and a local militia have resulted in the death of at least 101 civilians.

Fighting between government troops (FARDC) and members of the Kamuina Nsapu militia loyal to a local chief killed by the army in August last year is purported to have broken out in the territory of Dibaya in Kasai Central Province between Feb. 9 and Feb. 13.

Most of this latest round of violence is thought to have taken place in and around the town of Tshimbulu.

"According to information from several sources, FARDC soldiers opened fire indiscriminately with machine guns when they saw the militia fighters, who were armed mainly with machetes and spears," OHCHR said in a statement.

"Some 39 women are reported to have been caught in the fire and are among the dead," it added.

While condemning the use of excessive force by FARDC, the UN rights body also urged the Kamuina Nsapu militia to stop recruiting children and end the targeting of state symbols and institutions including government buildings, police stations and churches.

source: Xinhua