03:07A demonstration in Butembo, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), against the advances of the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels turned deadly on Saturday, resulting in one death and several injuries.
Footage from the scene shows police officers amidst crowds of demonstrators who were chanting, burning furniture, and overturning rubbish bins. The protesters believed the M23 rebels were using the Believe Hotel as a shelter to capture Butembo. However, their search yielded no suspects.
Roger Mowa, the police mayor of Butembo, called for calm and reassured residents that the city remains under control. "There was the incomprehension of ill-intentioned people who wanted to damage this barely built hotel. So far, they have found nothing. This is to say that it is a manipulation," he stated.
Local media reports suggest the M23 rebels seized Kanya Bayonga, a town crucial for the trade networks of Butembo and Beni. This advance has caused residents to flee to nearby towns such as Miriki, Kirumba, and Luofo amid rising panic.
'It is a manipulation' - Deadly protest kills one in Butembo as residents rally against M23 rebel advances
A demonstration in Butembo, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), against the advances of the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels turned deadly on Saturday, resulting in one death and several injuries.
Footage from the scene shows police officers amidst crowds of demonstrators who were chanting, burning furniture, and overturning rubbish bins. The protesters believed the M23 rebels were using the Believe Hotel as a shelter to capture Butembo. However, their search yielded no suspects.
Roger Mowa, the police mayor of Butembo, called for calm and reassured residents that the city remains under control. "There was the incomprehension of ill-intentioned people who wanted to damage this barely built hotel. So far, they have found nothing. This is to say that it is a manipulation," he stated.
Local media reports suggest the M23 rebels seized Kanya Bayonga, a town crucial for the trade networks of Butembo and Beni. This advance has caused residents to flee to nearby towns such as Miriki, Kirumba, and Luofo amid rising panic.
A demonstration in Butembo, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), against the advances of the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels turned deadly on Saturday, resulting in one death and several injuries.
Footage from the scene shows police officers amidst crowds of demonstrators who were chanting, burning furniture, and overturning rubbish bins. The protesters believed the M23 rebels were using the Believe Hotel as a shelter to capture Butembo. However, their search yielded no suspects.
Roger Mowa, the police mayor of Butembo, called for calm and reassured residents that the city remains under control. "There was the incomprehension of ill-intentioned people who wanted to damage this barely built hotel. So far, they have found nothing. This is to say that it is a manipulation," he stated.
Local media reports suggest the M23 rebels seized Kanya Bayonga, a town crucial for the trade networks of Butembo and Beni. This advance has caused residents to flee to nearby towns such as Miriki, Kirumba, and Luofo amid rising panic.