In the DRC, a clash between two Mayi-Mayi militias in the province of Tshopo caused the death of several civilians last week in the territory of Bafwasende. According to local elected officials and civil society, these are a consequence of the conflict between government forces and the M23, supported by Rwanda, in this mining area located on the border of the provinces of Tshopo and North Kivu.
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According to local authorities, at least four deaths were recorded in the camp of a pro-government militia, Mai-Mai Maradona, attacked by the men of Sengo Shokoro, leader of an armed group. Civil society evokes another, much heavier toll.
“ There are more or less 25 dead. There are even children who are running amok. They don’t know where their parent is », Explains Aliene Kabange, a community actor in the Bafwasende territory.
The territory of Bafawasende is a mining area. This is an issue for the different militias and for Tryphon Saidi, provincial deputy, links are even possible between the M23 and Sengo Shokoro’s group. “ The M23 has a broker called Biamungu, he held a meeting where the Mai-Mai live. He clearly told the Mayi-Mayi that he was sent by the M23, and that they wanted to take Kisangani. »
Following this violence, entire villages were emptied of these inhabitants.