Rebels kill at least 12 in Congo

KINSASA, Democratic Republic of Congo (AP) — Rebels linked to extremists have killed at least 12 people in a rural community in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the country’s military said, in the latest violence near the border with Uganda.

Rebels from the Democratic Allied Forces, linked to the Islamic State extremist group, have long operated in the border area. The United Nations said last week that nearly 200 people have died so far this year.

Captain Anthony Mulushayi, spokesman for the Congolese army in North Kivu province, said on Tuesday that shortly before, attackers set fire to a hospital and kidnapped several hostages. He said the army reacted, killing four of the attackers and rescuing four people.

A local civilian leader, Kakule Mwendapeke, said the civilian death toll was higher, at least 17, and that others are missing after being abducted, including four children under 10 years old. Survivors fled their villages to seek refuge in urban centers such as Beni and Mangina.

Eastern Congo has been plagued by conflict for decades, with more than 120 armed groups battling for control of mining resources or to protect their communities. Massacres perpetrated by rebels are frequent. The violence has forced some 7 million people to abandon their homes, according to the UN.

Bintou Keita, top UN representative in Congo, warned last week that violence is on the rise and that thousands of abuses, including rape and gender-based violence, have been reported so far this year.