Congo: Fresh fighting breaks out near Bunia

Fresh clashes broke out today on the outskirts of Bunia in north-east Congo, where hundreds have died in recent violence.

As many as 100 gunmen from the Lendu tribe attacked the town, but were met about three miles to the south by their rivals from the Hema tribe.

“Fighting lasted about an hour before the Lendu began to run from the battle scene,” said Saba Rafikim, security chief for the UPC, the Hema faction that controls Bunia.

About 50 French troops deployed in armoured vehicles to stop people coming into the town with weapons.

They are part of a heavily-armed international force that has been deployed to try to quell fighting in the region.

The force, which has a three-month mandate from the United Nations and European Union, is authorised to shoot to kill if necessary.

But it does not have the mandate to disarm the thousands of tribal fighters in the area or demilitarise the town.

Britain is to send troops to contribute to the force. About 400 French troops have arrived in Bunia so far, but the area remains volatile and looting and abductions are reported to be continuing.

Today’s was the most aggressive deployment by the French since they began arriving here two weeks ago.