Armed militiamen in DR Congo disrupt Easter mass

KAMPALA, Uganda

Around 20 armed members of the rebel Mai-Mai militia disrupted an Easter Sunday mass in the Democratic Republic of Congo and demanded money.

The incident took place at the Queen of the Angels Catholic Church in Bunyuka village, North Kivu province, according to UN radio in DR Congo and a security officer in the area.

UN radio quoted a local leader of the village, Anicent Muhindo, as saying that the militiamen, armed with firearms and knives, besieged the church during its Easter service demanding money from worshippers and the priest.

Fearing for their safety, the priest and the congregation “fled for their dear lives. The national army later intervened by firing warning shots. This scared off the attackers,” said UN radio.

It said the militiamen's incursion created confusion among the population, paralyzing all activities in the area.

"The army responded quickly and moved towards the church as it shot in air. That led to the militiamen escaping. The army is perusing them,” Lieut. Peter Mboka, a security officer in North Kivu, told Anadolu Agency by phone.