Clashes between army, insurgent group kill 31 in DRC

KINSHASA, DRC

At least 31 people have been killed in clashes between the Congolese government and an insurgent group over the weekend in central DRC, an official said in a statement late Monday.

According to Central Kasai province's Deputy Governor Hubert Mbingo N'vula, there were no civilians among the dead.

N'vula said 13 soldiers and 18 militiamen had been killed, while 18 other militiamen were captured by the Congolese armed forces.

Some 15 Congolese soldiers were also wounded as a result of the clashes that started Saturday.

However, Philomene Mwanda, head of the civil society in the region, told Anadolu Agency that at least 13 civilians were also killed in the clashes.

"The rebels were dressed in civilian clothes, and during the military riposte, the army was shooting at every moving thing. That is why there is a heavy toll on the civilian side," Mwanda said.

A precarious calm prevailed in the area on Monday which is now under the control of the army, residents told Anadolu Agency.

DRC has been hit by violence for over two decades during which the Congolese army and local self-defense groups have been fighting various militia groups in the eastern part of the country.