Rwandan Rebels Intensify Attacks on Civilians in DR Congo

According to Radio Okapi, the villages of Magunga and Mugaja in the territory of Uvira, South Kivu were attacked by FDLR rebels recently.

In a separate incident, the rebels are reported to have recently attacked, ransacked as well as set fire on a civilian hospital in the locality of Shabunda, in South Kivu, in addition to abducting several hospital staff.

Hundreds of civilians have fled the areas.

Speaking to The New Times from South Kivu yesterday, the deputy spokesperson of the Congolese Army (FARDC) in the East, Capt. Olivier Hamuli, confirmed the fresh attacks but downplayed the gravity.

"Generally, we are conducting some operations, and as of now, all FDLR positions have been destroyed – their major activities now is to burn houses, rob some cows – that is just their means of survival," Capt. Hamuli said.

"They are operating in small groups of five to seven – we are planning, together with MONUC, to fight them in all areas because most of them are now forging alliances with local armed groups."

Reports say that during the rebels’ last attack at the end November, over 25 families were affected in Magunda.

Source: Africa World News