Current:Home > BackMilitants in eastern Congo kill 12 villagers as country’s leader rules out talks with Rwanda-LoTradeCoin
Militants in eastern Congo kill 12 villagers as country’s leader rules out talks with Rwanda
View Date:2024-12-23 11:22:01
KINSHASA, Congo (AP) — Militants killed at least 12 villagers in a spate of attacks in eastern Congo, a local official and a civil society leader said as the country’s president ruled out dialogue with neighboring Rwanda over a related conflict.
The killings in Congo’s North Kivu province took place on Tuesday and were carried out by the Allied Democratic Forces, armed militants believed to be linked to the extremist Islamic State group.
The militants attacked three villages in the Beni territory, according to Kinos Katuho, the president of the local Mamove civil society organization.
Eastern Congo has struggled with armed violence for decades as more than 120 groups fight for power, land and valuable mineral resources, while others try to defend their communities. The armed groups have long waged campaigns of violence in the mineral-rich region and have been accused of mass killings.
The conflict spiked in late 2021 when another rebel group, which goes by the name M23 and which had been largely dormant, resurfaced and initiated attacks to seize territory. The group allegedly has support from neighboring Rwanda, though the country denies ties.
“Two people were killed in the village of Mangazi-Kasongo, five in Matadi-Beu and five others in Mamove,” said Katuho.
Among those killed by the attackers — who also looted the properties — was the village chief in Matadi-Beu, according to Mamove chief Charles Endukadi.
Meanwhile, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi on Tuesday repeated his claims that the M23 rebels are supported by Rwanda, and said he would not engage in talks with Rwanda’s leader, Paul Kagame, over the issue.
The United Nations and human rights groups have also said the militants receive backing from Rwanda.
“No dialogue will take place with our aggressor as long as it occupies a portion of our territory,” Tshisekedi said, referring to Rwanda. He spoke during a meeting with diplomats in the Congolese capital of Kinshasa.
“We will not accept any compromise,” he said.
veryGood! (67)
Related
- 2025 NFL Draft order: Updated first round picks after Week 10 games
- Tropical storm conditions expected for parts of the Carolinas as disturbance approaches coast
- Tito Jackson of The Jackson 5 Dead at 70
- An appeals court won’t revive Brett Favre’s defamation lawsuit against Shannon Sharpe
- Quincy Jones' Cause of Death Revealed
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Pop Tops
- Selling Sunset’s Chrishell Stause Undergoes Surgery After “Vintage” Breast Implants Rupture
- Michigan State Police officer won’t survive injuries from crash on I-75 near Detroit
- Man accused of killing American tourist in Budapest, putting her body in suitcase: Police
- Michigan State Police officer won’t survive injuries from crash on I-75 near Detroit
Ranking
- OneTaste Founder Nicole Daedone Speaks Out on Sex Cult Allegations Against Orgasmic Meditation Company
- Polaris Dawn mission comes to end with SpaceX Dragon landing off Florida coast
- The Bear’s Jeremy Allen White Shares “Beautiful” Reaction to Liza Colón-Zayas’ Historic Emmys Win
- Flappy Bird returning in 2025 after decade-long hiatus: 'I'm refreshed, reinvigorated'
- Bohannan requests a recount in Iowa’s close congressional race as GOP wins control of House
- Judge rejects former Trump aide Mark Meadows’ bid to move Arizona election case to federal court
- How Sister Wives Addressed Garrison Brown’s Death in Season Premiere
- Eagles vs. Falcons: MNF preview, matchups to watch and how to stream NFL game tonight
Recommendation
-
Wendi McLendon-Covey talks NBC sitcom 'St. Denis Medical' and hospital humor
-
Tito Jackson, brother of Michael Jackson and Jackson 5 co-founder, dies at 70
-
Chiefs show gap between them and other contenders is still quite large
-
2024 Emmys: Connie Britton and Boyfriend David Windsor Enjoy Rare Red Carpet Date Night
-
Georgia's humbling loss to Mississippi leads college football winners and losers for Week 11
-
Judge rejects former Trump aide Mark Meadows’ bid to move Arizona election case to federal court
-
Travis Kelce's NFL Suite Features Sweet Nod to Taylor Swift
-
Louisville interim police chief will lead department in permanent role