15 soldiers killed in DR Congo clashes

By James Tasamba

KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) – At least 15 Congolese soldiers were killed during violent clashes with a militia group in a village in the southwestern Democratic Republic of Congo, provincial authorities said Monday.

The clashes occurred in Kenge territory in Kwango province bordering Angola on Sunday, according to Adelard Nkisi, a spokesman for the provincial government.

“The victims belonging to the 11th military region of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo were killed in clashes with a group calling itself Mobondo in Mulosi village,” Nkisi told UN radio in DR Congo.

At least three militiamen were killed in the fighting, he said.

Calling on the central government to restore peace and security in Kwango, Nkisi said following the fighting, hundreds of residents in the surrounding villages fled their homes to safe areas.

The Mobondo militia group is known for its brutality and has been a long-standing threat to the peace and stability of the DR Congo, operating mainly in the Kwango region.

The group has been accused of numerous deadly attacks on local communities, leading to the displacement of thousands.

In May, provincial authorities imposed a night curfew in Kwango province following the advance of the militia group toward several villages but it has not contained the violence.

DR Congo struggles with insecurity which has displaced thousands, involving multiple armed groups clashing with government forces, and each other.