Many flee amid attacks in DR Congo town
People attend the burial of victims in the town of Beni, in the north east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, on October 20, 2014, where at least 22 people were hacked to death by Ugandan rebels. Between heeding a message from officials to remain calm and another to flee looming attacks by Ugandan rebels, the choice for many residents in the Democratic Republic of Congo town of Beni is clear. FILE PHOTO | AFP
What you need to know:
- Terrified by Thursday’s rampage by Ugandan rebels who slaughtered 26 people with machetes, many residents have decided that the town in North Kivu province is no longer safe.
- Meanwhile, the UN rights chief on Sunday condemned Kinshasa for expelling his top envoy to the Democratic Republic of Congo, and accused the authorities of intimidating other members of his staff.
BENI
Between heeding a message from officials to remain calm and another to flee looming attacks by Ugandan rebels, the choice for many residents in the Democratic Republic of Congo town of Beni is clear.
“I left my home because there are leaflets saying that (the Ugandan rebels) are coming to kill people,” said Solange Sekera, 27, who was leaving town with her three children.
Ms Sekera had not actually seen the leaflets herself but she was not taking any chances.
Terrified by Thursday’s rampage by Ugandan rebels who slaughtered 26 people with machetes, many residents have decided that the town in North Kivu province is no longer safe.
“Those who tell you that we are safe are lying,” said a lawyer who requested anonymity.
“We have to take care of ourselves. The authorities have promised to restore order in the city... but we have no faith in them,” he added.
So try as mayor Nyonyi Masumbuko may, even going on radio to send the message: “I assure you that all security measures have been taken. Stay calm at home, the authorities are in control of the situation.”
The reality is that on Sunday, dozens of inhabitants were carrying bags and even mattresses as they headed out of town.
Others have formed vigilante groups to keep watch all night at key junctions, armed with batons and whistles.
Meanwhile, the UN rights chief on Sunday condemned Kinshasa for expelling his top envoy to the Democratic Republic of Congo, and accused the authorities of intimidating other members of his staff.
“Not only has my highly experienced and respected representative in DRC, Scott Campbell, been told to leave, but two other staff working in his team have been seriously threatened in recent days,” Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein said in a statement.
