According to Global Forest Watch Virunga National Park, the oldest protected area in the DRC, has lost 964 hectares (2,382 acres) of forest since June. “The Nyiragongo volcanic eruption in May and the recent war that has broken out between M23 and the Congolese government have forced many people to flee into the park,” Depaul […]
Thousands more flee their homes in eastern DRC amid fighting between M23 rebels and government forces. Locals don't believe new talks in Kenya will bring peace.
Heavy gunfire started about 7am (05:00 GMT) and could be heard until the late afternoon, a witness told Reuters.
Local police spokesman Nasson Murara said officers had cleared the barricades and made about 60 arrests. “We have just got the situation under control after a very tense day.”
‘Act up or pack up’
At least one protester was seriously wounded by gunshot, LUCHA said, adding that protests also took place in Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, where Beni also belongs. The casualty count could not be independently confirmed.
“The violent crackdown on peaceful protests today in Beni, Goma [and] Butembo is a blatant violation of people’s rights,” Thomas Fessy, senior DRC researcher for Human Rights Watch, said on Twitter, calling for the immediate release of those arrested.