36 refugees shot dead in DR Congo

Soldiers shot dead 36 Burundian refugees in clashes in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, officials said yesterday, prompting shock, outrage and a demand for answers from the United Nations.

A Burundian refugee said that more than 30 had been killed and at least 100 wounded in the violence in Kamanyola, in the eastern province of South Kivu, on Friday.

Maman Sidikou, the head of MONUSCO, the UN's peacekeeping mission in the country, said in a statement Saturday that at least 36 refugees had been reported killed.

He also stressed that defence and security forces could resort to force "only as a last resort" and in accordance with international norms, and urged "the authorities to promptly open criminal investigations".

Interior ministry official Josue Boji said the clashes began after a group of refugees overran a jail run by the country's domestic intelligence agency to demand the release of four Burundians who had been arrested for expulsion on Wednesday night.

Boji, who had put the toll at 34 dead earlier -- including a Congolese soldier -- said troops tried to disperse the refugees by "firing in the air but were overwhelmed" when the group responded by throwing stones.

At least 124 refugees were also wounded.