Walikale: Wazalendo Fighters Kill AFC/M23-Appointed Local Chief

A newly appointed village chief in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo was killed on Wednesday, May 13, in an attack attributed to Wazalendo militia fighters, according to local sources 

The victim, who had recently been named chief of Kateku village in the Iremya locality of Ikobo grouping, Walikale Territory, was reportedly assassinated just 48 hours after his appointment by the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23) rebellion.

According to the sources, armed assailants stormed the chief’s residence and shot him dead in front of members of his family before fleeing the area. The exact motive behind the killing remains unclear, though some local observers believe the attack may have been linked to tensions and power struggles surrounding the administration of areas under AFC/M23 control.

Residents described an atmosphere of fear and mourning as the victim was laid to rest on Thursday in Kateku village.