In Mungazi, in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo’s North Kivu region, a Congolese soldier opened fire on his fellow soldiers late Monday night, killing three and wounding eight.
According to local officials, the altercation took place soon after the soldiers were paid. The president of Walikale’s civil society, Fiston Misona Tabashile, claims that an argument between the soldiers stationed there caused things to turn violent.
Major Nestor Mavudisa, the provincial army spokeswoman, confirmed the deaths and stated that the eight injured soldiers are presently undergoing medical care. He further stated that disciplinary measures are being taken against the individuals who carried out the shooting and that they have been captured and are being held in prison.
Additionally, Mavudisa exhorted the locals to carry on with their regular activities fearlessly.
Local miner Jean Kokwe observed that at first, many locals believed armed organizations were engaged, however eyewitness reports eventually made it clear that Congolese military personnel were involved in the incident.
Mungazi is located close to the frontlines of ongoing military activities in eastern Congo, an area characterized by a number of armed groups vying for power and complicated security issues.