Explosive Device Kills Seven in Eastern DRC

A tragic incident in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has resulted in the deaths of seven civilians and left three others seriously injured. The fatalities occurred on Saturday in Nyarubara-Rugunga village, Rutshuru Territory, when an abandoned explosive device detonated.

Local residents reported that a child found the explosive device in a field and began playing with it, which unfortunately led to the explosion. Six individuals, including women and children, died at the scene, while a seventh victim passed away later from their injuries at the Bugusa Health Centre.

Three other injured individuals were also taken to the same health facility for treatment. The blast was powerful enough to kill a cow in the vicinity.

Following the explosion, fighters from the March 23 Movement/Alliance River Congo (M23/AFC), which currently controls the area, arrived at the scene. They reportedly collected the bodies and transported them to the mortuary at Rutshuru General Hospital.

In a statement released on Saturday evening, M23/AFC spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka confirmed the casualties and attributed the incident to an explosive device planted by “enemies of peace.” He conveyed condolences to the victims’ families and stressed the importance of following demining safety protocols in areas under M23/AFC control. Kanyuka warned residents against touching or moving any suspicious objects and urged them to report such findings to the authorities immediately.

This incident highlights the persistent dangers in eastern DRC, a region grappling with ongoing conflict and the presence of unexploded ordnance. The M23/AFC has been intensifying its offensive in the area, raising concerns about regional stability.

Source: The Observer (Uganda)