Via Radio Moto Butembo-Beni: Rebel attack in Butembo: 10 dead including women and a police officer. Of course this has stopped the Ebola response in its tracks. The Google translation:
Heavy and light weapons have been fired in Butembo from 4 am to 11:30 am on Wednesday, May 8, 2019. Official sources say that the FARDC and the police have clashed with unidentified militiamen who have raided in Butembo. The city mayor acknowledges that a total of 10 deaths during the clashes include some attackers and an officer of the order.
The weapons have crackled almost everywhere in the city, since, according to security sources, the suspects were organized in small groups in the communes Vulamba, Bulengera Kimemi and Mususa where the inhabitants are holed up in houses fearing for their security until late in the morning.
In his intervention-balance sheet and insurance broadcast in sync on some Butembo radio stations the morning of Wednesday, May 8, 2019, Sylvain MBUSA KANYAMANDA assured that the situation is already under control. He then called on the population to leave their homes and go about their business.
The city mayor acknowledges that a total of 10 deaths during the clashes include some attackers and an officer of the order. In the ranks of those who have died, there are girls and women. Some material damage has been recorded on the main roads of Butembo. Some business houses were hit by gusts of heavy weapons, said Sylvain MBUSA KANYAMANDA.
"A policeman has just fallen on the battlefield. He defended the city. We are really sorry. He has just left in defense of the people ... We are waiting for the one who knows this woman who is said to be among the sweepers of the road. These people are under my responsibility, and some of them have just joined the Social Fund. But these two women have just died today ... ", said the mayor, adding the material damage is also recorded.
"They were at the BIC level. If people go there, they will see how deplorable it is," said the Mayor.
For now the attackers are in disarray and some would have taken the direction of Malende and four kilometers, says the urban authority who said nothing is known on the motive of this incursion militia. The mayor of Butembo is asking the population to work with the security services to find the fugitives in their entrenchments.
During these operations crowds of young people were dispersed. Thus, the patrolmen said to prevent the infiltration of the enemy of the peace in town. Moreover, our sources indicate some young people have been momentarily arrested. Meanwhile, all academic and academic activities are paralyzed throughout the city of Butembo.
