KINSHASA (AFP) - A militia group from the Democratic Republic of Congo has committed nearly daily acts of violence against civilians since its leader escaped prison in 2011, a human rights group said on Tuesday.
The Congolese Association for Access to Justice (CAAJ) called on the government to protect residents of the southeast province of Katanga against the Mai Mai community-based militia.
"The population has been the target of almost daily attacks by the Mai Mai since Gedeon Kyungu Mutanga escaped from prison" in September of 2011, the CAAJ said in a statement.
"During each attack, they steal property, commit rape and murder, mutilate corpses, destroy and burn down private homes and offices. They kidnap children, whom they train and force to take part in future attacks," it added.
Better known by his alias "Commander Gedeon", Mutanga was on death row when he fled prison in a raid by masked gunmen that also allowed nearly 1,000 other inmates to escape.
A military court had sentenced Mutanga to death in 2009 for "war crimes, crimes against humanity, insurrection and terrorism" committed in Katanga between 2003 and 2006.
Last month, the UN's peacekeeping mission in the DR Congo, MONUSCO, said the security situation in the centre of Katanga was unstable mainly because of a resurgence of activity by the Mai Mai group.
Cecilia Dapaah: Reasons behind AG’s advice to EOCO not grounded in law – Martin ...
NPP should have reported Kingsley Nyarko’s conduct to police – Inusah Fuseini
Akufo-Addo cuts sod for MIIF Technical Training Centre
NPP didn’t struggle to win Ejisu by-election – Samuel Ayeh-Paye
A/R: Achiase Chief arrested for acid attack on community members
Naa Ayemoede returns to school
Dadieso residents block Accra-Kumasi highway
Kasoa soldier killer remanded
Rashid Pelpuo slams Opoku Prempeh for denying dumsor
