Militia fighters have attacked a Chinese language-linked mining web site in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo, killing six Chinese language nationals and at the very least two Congolese troopers, native officers mentioned on Thursday.
China condemned the assault, which passed off on Wednesday in Djugu territory within the gold-rich Ituri province.
Djugu administrator Ruphin Mapela mentioned it was carried out by the Codeco (Cooperative for the Growth of the Congo) militia. It’s primarily made up of fighters from the Lendu ethnic group, which they declare to defend.
Six Chinese language nationals and two Congolese troopers guarding the positioning have been killed, Mapela mentioned.
The Pink Cross consultant for Djugu, Dhekana Ernest, mentioned the Codeco fighters had come throughout the Chinese language digging for gold.
Learn: Congo lifts ban on Chinese language mining agency operation
“They entered their camp, killed six Chinese language nationals and three troopers. The victims have been killed with bullets,” he mentioned, including that the corpses have been taken to town of Bunia.
A spokesperson for the military within the area confirmed the toll and added {that a} Congolese nationwide and 6 militia fighters have been killed.
In Beijing, the Chinese language international ministry mentioned an assault on on a Chinese language-funded non-public enterprise led to the demise and disappearance of a number of Chinese language residents.
China is in shut communication with DRC authorities within the seek for these lacking, ministry spokesperson Mao Ning instructed a press briefing.
“We urge the DRC to pursue and punish the perpetrators in accordance with the regulation as quickly as doable,” Mao mentioned, whereas calling for measures to beef up safety and safety for Chinese language residents and enterprises there.
“These already in high-risk areas ought to be evacuated as quickly as doable,” she mentioned.
The identify of the mine and the corporate weren’t instantly out there.
In jap Congo mining concessions, many non-public Chinese language operators associate with native licence holders, generally offering funding and equipment to function. Additionally they usher in Chinese language staff.
Wednesday’s was the newest lethal militia assault in a area the place the violence is linked to long-running competitors for affect and wealthy mineral assets.
Learn: UN peacekeepers deployed in DRC to counter new wave of violence
Codeco is one in every of a myriad of militias combating over land and assets in east Congo. It has been accused prior to now by the United Nations of assaults in opposition to different communities that might represent struggle crimes and crimes in opposition to humanity.
