THE ECHOES OF RWANDA STILL LOUD AND CLEAR IN THE CONGO : 21 PEOPLE TORTURED AND MUTILATED IN EASTERN DR CONGO

 

21 people were mutilated and tortured in Eastern DR Congo.   The UN peacekeeping mission found the bodies in Kivu province on the weekend.  

Although no one has claimed responsibility, suspicions fell initially on the M23 group, a Tutsi rebel group, which was defeated last month at the hand of the UN. 

However, the Easter region of the DR Congo has been the theatre of a unrest for quite a while now, which is why the UN is closely following the developments in the area. 

People on the ground suspect Islamists however.  The border area between the DR and Rwanda is home to a number of rebel groups.  

A group that emerged in the 1990s to challenge the DR Congo's government, called Allied Democratic Forces, is believed to be the more likely candidate behind the gruesome attack.  The nature of the attack which is more horrific than most of the atrocities observed in the past, is reminiscent of their handiwork.  The ADF is allied with Somalia's Al Shabaab, which would validate the local's contention that the attack was carried out by Islamists.  

The ADF's territory used to be Uganda, wherefrom they were rooted out almost a decade ago.  But they have sought refuge in the mountainous region between DR Congo and Rwanda.  The ADF is believed to be about 1400 strong and its methods are among the most brutal of the rebel group. 

All the women in the group of people killed were brutally raped and beheaded, including an infant. 

Source : France 24/ 12.17.13