x

DR Congo police shoot dead activist during rally

An activist was shot and killed by police on Thursday during a rally in a strife-torn region of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, a campaign group has said.

Police in the city of Beni, in a region plagued by attacks from bandits and militias, told AFP that two officers had been arrested over the incident.

Roughly 20 people had gathered in a stadium in Beni for a protest organised by grassroots group Lucha against killings and general insecurity in the area.

The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a mainly Muslim rebel group, is accused of killing more than 1,000 civilians in the Beni region since October 2014.

Residents have protested regularly against the failure of officials and UN forces to protect them.

Roughly a dozen people were detained at Thursday’s rally, according to an AFP correspondent who also saw the activist’s body at a local hospital.

Two other protesters were injured during the crackdown and taken to hospital, Lucha activist Esaie Liko told AFP.

“We condemn this brutal behaviour by the police and the authorities. We thought we were moving towards the construction of the rule of law but it is the opposite,” Liko said.

Lucha had called for a demonstration to demand “an end to the killings, harassment of the population” and the resignation of local security officials.

It named the dead activist as Marcus-Freddy Kambale, 22.

“Two policemen presumed to be responsible for this act were arrested,” Beni police spokesman Nasson Murara told AFP.

Hot this week

Editors Urge Government To Create Safe, Enabling Environment For Journalists

· Ask security agents to find missing Vanguard journalist As...

EXCLUSIVE: Buhari orders probe of Isa Funtua, AMCON over keystone and Etisalat

Following the controversy generated by the leading opposition party,...

6 Signs your boyfriend thinks you are ugly -Take note of No. 2

They say there are three kinds of people; the...

2023: South-East, Middle Belt Forum Endorses Peter Obi

The South-East and Middle Belt Forum has endorsed the...

Retired Police Officers Set for Nationwide Protest Over Pension Scheme

By Idibia Gabriel, Kaduna The Kaduna State chapter of the...

NUJ Info Chapel Hosts Workshop, Hails Commissioner, Council Leadership

By Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Information,...

Tinubu Appoints Ismael Ahmed as Executive Chairman of Presidential CNG Initiative

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Barrister Ismael Ahmed...

Alleged ₦80.2bn Fraud: EFCC Kicks as Yahaya Bello Seeks Medical Travel Abroad

By Gabriel Udeh The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,...

Why we’re raising concerns over alleged contract scam at NNPCL – Coalition

President Bola Tinubu has been asked to terminate the...

Tinubu Assures Abuja Residents, No More ” One Chance” Attacks

By Joyce Remi-Babayeju President Bola Tinubu has assured Abuja residents...

INEC Sets August 16 for Bye-Elections in 12 States, Resumes Voter Registration

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced August...

Tinubu Hosts Fubara, Wike, Rivers Lawmakers in Fresh Push for Peace

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday convened a closed-door meeting...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img