Congolese Soldier Kills 13 Civilians, Together with Spouse, After Son Is Buried With out Him, Officers Say

GOMA, Congo (AP) — A soldier in northeastern Congo opened hearth on relations and others who had buried his son earlier than he might arrive dwelling to attend the ceremony, killing 13 folks, together with 10 youngsters, officers mentioned Sunday.

The assault late Saturday left the soldier’s spouse, in-laws and two of his youngsters lifeless, earlier than he turned his weapon on different civilians, mentioned Lt. Jules Ngongo, a spokesman for the military in Ituri province, the place the killings occurred.

The soldier was not recognized.

The soldier arrived dwelling from his submit at one other village within the province to seek out household and group members gathered in mourning for his son, who died Thursday of pure causes, mentioned Baraka Muguwa Oscar, the native village chief.

“This soldier didn’t like the truth that his son … was buried with out his approval and in his absence,” Oscar mentioned.

Parts of the Congolese military have been dispatched to apprehend the soldier, a member of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo, or FARDC, who fled the scene after the assault.

“It doesn’t matter what the case, the time or the circumstances, you may’t take an individual’s life. That is an act of indiscipline that will likely be handled by the courts,” mentioned Ngongo, the military spokesperson.

Preventing in jap Congo has been simmering for many years as greater than 120 teams struggle for energy, land and helpful mineral sources, whereas others attempt to defend their communities. Earlier this week, the United Nations warned of a surge in violence within the nation’s northeast.

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