At Least 36 Die in Protests Against UN Mission in Congo

Kinshasa, August 02 (QNA) - The number of victims of popular protests against the United Nations mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which began eight days ago, rose to 36 dead - including four UN soldiers, and 170 wounded.
Congo's government Spokesperson Patrick Muyaya said Tuesday in statements that the death toll reached about 36 people, pointing out that 13 died in the city of Goma, 13 died in the city of Butembo - including 4 UN soldiers, while four victims died in Uvira, and six others died in Kanyabayonga and Kasende.
A total of 170 injuries was recorded, Muyaya said, adding that these serious events undermined the sovereignty of the Democratic Republic of the Congo at the Kasende border point with Uganda.
For his part, Army Spokesperson of Beni Captain Antony Mualushayi said in statements that the peacekeepers opened fire on Sunday as they returned from their vacation in Uganda, before opening the barrier and crossing the Congolese border at the Kasende border point.
Since July 25, demonstrators accusing the peacekeeping forces of ineffectiveness in their mission to neutralize militants of local and foreign armed groups have been targeting the headquarters and facilities of the UN mission in Congo (MONUSCO) in the cities of Goma and Butembo, prompting UN soldiers to respond to them through shooting. (QNA)