Bunia still rocked by unrest

Rebel Radio Candip in Bunia said “unfortunate incidents” broke out in the town on Tuesday following the murder of a Congolese soldier. “The incidents were caused by legitimate anger on the one hand, and political manipulation on the other,” the radio said, adding that the Rassemblement congolais pour la democratie-Mouvement de liberation (RCD-ML) of Ernest Wamba dia Wamba had called on the people to remain calm. An investigation into the murder was underway and all soldiers were urged to return to barracks, the radio reported.

Independent sources in contact with Bunia told IRIN on Tuesday that the recent violent incidents in the town started on 27 October when an unknown force of about 400 people attacked Bunia airport and two prisons. The attackers were repulsed and at least 35 assailants were reported killed. The following day, a “miscommunication” regarding a fresh deployment of RCD-ML troops to Bunia led to a shoot-out with local Congolese forces, and one Congolese soldier was reported killed, the sources added.