Militiamen killed at least 12 people during an attack on displaced civilians in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo, a military spokesperson said on Monday, and some local groups said the death toll was much higher.
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The martial law was extended for 15 days as rebel attacks last month saw a volcanic eruption continue in the region.
Politicians in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Thursday voted to extend the fighting law during the eastern break of the country by 15 days, a month after civilian authorities replaced military administrations in North Kivu and Ituri provinces.
Since the end of the 2003 civil war, there has been endemic violence in the eastern mineral-rich regions of the DRC, but insecurity has intensified over the past two years.
On May 6, the government imposed a state of siege to try to end the bloodshed. Violent attacks have continued since then, but Justice Minister Rose Mutombo said many militant fighters have surrendered and the army has taken control of new areas.