DRC: Seven killed in clashes in South Kivu Nov. 5

Event

Clashes broke out in Bukavu (South Kivu) between security forces and former soldiers on Sunday, November 5. According to local sources, the government soldiers attempted to disarm a deposed colonel, sparking a gunfight that killed two soldiers, three of the colonel's bodyguards, and two civilians.

According to reports, the deposed colonel, a former rebel who had been integrated into the DRC's Armed Forces, later surrendered at a local UN base in the Muhumba district of Bukavu.

Context

Numerous armed groups are active across the DRC, including Maï-Maï ethnic-based self-defense militia groups. Violent clashes between these groups and government forces, as well as between rival groups, are common.

Advice

Those present in South Kivu are advised to avoid the area and monitor the situation.

For various security reasons, a number of Western governments advise their citizens against travel to much of the country, and professional security advice should be sought prior to travel.