Agenzia Fides

Kinshasa (Agenzia Fides) - "In the region of Masisi (North Kivu), the population is suffering the consequences of interethnic conflict that is ignored by the international community, while it continues to focus its attention only on the M23" sources of the local Church tell Fides, which for safety reasons request anonymity. The M23 is the main guerrilla movement operating in North Kivu, but there are also several others.
In Masisi the conflict is between the Hutus and Hunde community with the involvement of various armed groups operating in the area (Nyatura, Raia Mutomboki, FDC).
"On November 3, after days of relative calm, thanks to the intervention of the local authorities aimed at sensitizing the population on the pacific cohabitation among communities, a new massacre of innocent people devastated the area" refer our sources. "4 Hunde women and two children were killed with machetes by members of the Hutu militia Nyatura. The women were surprised by their murderers while they were collecting bananas in a field and were raped before being killed. "
The massacre sparked the protest of the Hunde population. "The victims’ bodies were carried in front of the office of the Territory Administration in Masisi Centre. Tension was very high. The Hunde asked the local authorities to act to guarantee the security of the population. Moreover, several youth participating in the action promised a prompt vengeance against the Hutu."
Between the two population, Hutu and Hunde, there is a climate of mutual fear. "If the interethnic conflict in Masisi continues to be ignored, more innocent people will die in the indifference of the Congolese authorities, international organizations and the media", conclude our sources. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 10/11/2012)