South Kivu: Eight dead in clashes between rebels and Burundian militia

 Eight people have died in clashes between the Burundian rebels of Red Tabara and the Imbonerakure militia close to the government in Burundi since Sunday (January 27th), Radio Okapi reports.

The fighting takes place in Murambi, near Kiryama in the Haut plateaux of the Lemera, in the territory of Uvira (South Kivu).

According to a press release issued on Tuesday (January 29th) by local official Enoch Ruberangabo Sebineza, the Murambi civilians are wandering in the Rushogwe forest overlooking the village of Bibangwa with civilian wounded.

This statement mentions eight dead among belligerents and several wounded among civilians.

The attackers turned against the local civilian population, which they systematically looted, carrying cows, goats and sheep, local sources said.

The honorary deputy, and former president of the Mutual Shikama Banyamulenge in Kinshasa staying in Uvira, Enoch Ruberangabo, denounces an attack on peaceful citizens by foreign armed groups on Congolese soil.

“The populations are a victim since clashes erupted, all these people are on the move. In the forest, there is a very cold climate. It’s the rainy season, you know the damage. Our territory has become a land, foreigners, Burundians and Rwandans come to make war with us, it is unacceptable, “said Enoch Ruberangabo.

The army, for its part, confirms these attacks of Murambi, in the highlands of Lemera. FARDC said the clashes lasted nearly an hour between these foreign groups.

Civil society in the area says Burundian rebels from Red Tabara have been active in Kiryama for a year. They formed a coalition with Mai-Mai Ilunga, Mushombe and Kihebe.

For now, these rebels have taken the direction of Kitoga, towards the forest of Itombwe and Rurambo, fleeing the assault of Burundian militiamen Imbonerakure.