Militia in DR Congo takes over 15 villages

By Godfrey Olukya

ARU, Democratic Republic of Congo

Fifteen villages in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo have fallen under the control of militiamen who oppose President Joseph Kabila's rule, security officials said Saturday.

Charles Dabya, a local security officer, said Thomas Mesandu's militia has taken control of the villages in Ubundu territory in Tshopo province.

He said they started invading villages and establishing their control two months ago.

"They invaded Bindi village two months ago, and then took control of Bakasa, Babengengo, Basikake, Banade, Banakwenge and Banakile villages," he added.

Ken Molamu, a village leader, told Anadolu Agency the militia plans to take over more villages and establish their rule.

"They impose heavy taxes on villagers and whoever fails to pay taxes is punished severely," he said.

"They also rape women and loot property," he added.

Thomas Mesandu started the militia with the aim to liberate the country from the president who has refused to step down. However, in a short span of time they transformed into bandits who looted and plundered villages.

Kabila's term expired last December, but he refused to step down saying elections could not take place because most voters had not been registered.

Since then, several militia groups have taken arms against the state.