By Samantha Netzband
Impunity Watch Reporter, Africa
KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo— 30 civilians were killed by the Ugandan extremest group the Allied Defense Forces (ADF) in Beni, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The civilians were killed in the Rwangoma neighborhood of Beni which sits in an area of the Democratic Republic of Congo that has seen an increase of civilian murders since 2014.
Crosses at the site of the killing of 30 civilians. (Photo Courtesy of BBC)
The killings are in response to increased military activity in the area. The ADF has been involved in a number of illegal acts including drug smuggling and civilian killings. They along with other militant groups are active around Beni and the rest of Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo because of the areas proximity to the vast Virunga National Park.
Locals came out to protest after the latest killings. Human rights activist Jackson Kasereka said that residents were burning tires in the street in protest.
For further information, please see:
Africa News – Suspected Uganda militia over 30 people in Eastern DR Congo – 14 August 2016
BBC – DR Congo rebels blamed for 30 civilian deaths – 14 August 2016
Yahoo – DR Congo ‘massacre’ leaves 36 dead in troubled east – 14 August 2016
