DRC: 5 killed as gunmen attack minister's convoy

By Godfrey Olukya in Aru DRC 14-11-2016

ARU, Democratic Republic of Congo

At least five people were shot dead Sunday when unidentified gunmen opened fire at the convoy of Provincial Interior Minister Etshiba Mboko in the South Kivu province, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), police said Monday.

The incident, which took place in a village called Pemba, occurred as a UN security council delegation was visiting the eastern DRC region, which is infested with insecurity and armed gangs.

"We are hunting for gunmen who killed five people who were moving in on the convoy of the minister. They opened fire at the convoy without any warning and killed the innocent people," said South Kivu police investigations officer Benjamin Lingalinga.

The eastern region's transport minister and spokeswoman, Agnes Sadiki, confirmed the killings.

"It is sad that five people were killed in the attack against the convoy of Provincial Interior Minister Etshiba Mboko," she said in a statement.

Among those killed were two of the minister's body guards and a woman.

Attacks by gunmen on vehicles and on homes are common in eastern DRC, especially in the provinces of North and South Kivu.

The situation has been made worse by the incursions of rebels from Uganda and Rwanda who have established bases in the region.