Four DR Congo soldiers killed during confrontation with militia

Four Congolese soldiers and three militia fighters died during a confrontation in South Kivu province, east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), an army spokesman said.

According to Captain Dieudonne Kajibwami, the fighting between the Congolese forces (FARDC), and Raia Mutomboki militia, occurred on March 30 in Kabare territory within South Kivu province.

"Three soldiers were killed and three others were injured. Three militia fighters were equally killed during the fighting," Kajibwami said Thursday during a press conference.

FARDC spokesman said calm had returned to the area, but the national army was still pursuing Raia Mutomboki fighters who attacked their camp in nearby Ihembe locality.

Raia Mutomboki militia first appeared on the scene in 2005 as a self-defence group against Rwandese rebels, the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR).

The group grew and now has expanded its operations in North and South Kivu provinces.

Just like other militia groups operating in the east of DR Congo, certain wings of Raia Mutomboki militia have completely abandoned political agitations and have transformed themselves into criminal gangs. Endit