9 Dead In Clashes In Congo’s Troubled Kasai Region

Nine people have been killed in clashes between the Congolese army and an anti-government militia in restive Kasai province, sources said on Tuesday.

The clashes in the central region involved the Kamuina Nsapu militia, who has been fighting against the government of President Joseph Kabila since their chief was killed by troops in 2016.

Assumani Issa, a Local Army Commander, confirmed the clashes but would not give the number of those killed.

He said the army had sent reinforcements to the area.

A local civil society leader, who did not wish to be named, said that at least nine were killed and that the militia had taken control.

“The militia entered Kakenge last night and this morning they drove out the army and killed the platoon commander before torching a hospital,’’ the source said.

Some 1.4 million people in Kasai have been forced to flee their homes because of conflict, according to the World Food Programme, while more than three million people in the region are severely food insecure.