MONUC returns fire in Kisangani
To avoid aggravating the situation, the peacekeepers started withdrawing, but shootings went on in their direction, targeting three UN mission vehicles, which obliged the UN troops to shoot back.
The shooting incident lasted for a few minutes. Later in the night, MONUC was informed of the death of a soldier of the DRC Armed Forces (FARDC), shot down by a bullet in the head, reportedly during the shoot-out. MONUC returned to the scene and saw the body of the victim. An investigation is ongoing to establish the responsibilities.
At the end of yesterday's talks between the local military and civilian authorities and MONUC, this morning's meeting of the Security Provincial Committee clarified the matter by explaining that the truck in question was to transport weapons and ammunitions for the military region. The meeting deplored the incident and stressed the need to reinforce coordination and cooperation with respect to military issues.