Over 40 dead after ADF rebel attacks in eastern DR Congo

Kinshasa, DRC | XINHUA |  More than 40 people were killed Sunday night in attacks blamed on rebels of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in two villages in the eastern province of Ituri in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to local authorities.

The attacks occurred in the villages of Tchabi and Boga, southwest of Bunia, Ituri’s capital. At least 45 bodies have been found at the scene of the attacks, member of Ituri provincial parliament Wilson Mugara told Xinhua over the telephone.

Jules Ngongo, spokesman for the DRC army in Ituri, confirmed the attacks in both villages, but said he is waiting for the latest assessment on casualties.

Local media said the toll is likely to rise as searches for the bodies of more victims continue, and that the attackers also burned down houses and abducted several residents.

Since the beginning of this year, members of the ADF, originated in Uganda and active in this part of the country for decades, have increased their attacks in Ituri, and the Beni territory, in neighboring North-Kivu province.

On April 30, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi declared a state of siege in the two provinces.

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XINHUA