Colonel sentenced to death over killings in DR Congo

Col Mikombe was tried along with five other soldiers, Three of them were sentenced to 10 years in prison, while two others, including Col Mikombe’s deputy, were acquitted.

A colonel in Democratic Republic of Congo has been sentenced to death for killing of more than 50 anti-UN protesters in August

The ex-commander of the elite Republican Guard in Goma city, Col Mike Mikombe, was accused of giving orders to open fire on anti-UN protesters.

The protests in august were organized by a Christian sect known as Wazalendo (Patriots), to demand the departure of UN troops from the region.

The protesters said the UN troops failed to protect civilians who have been under decades-long attacks by rebel groups in the region.

The protesters also wanted Governor Ndima Kongba, who had earlier banned the demonstrations, to resign. The governor has since been replaced.

According to the state prosecutor, 56 civilians were killed and dozens others wounded during the demonstrations, sparking international condemnation.

This was the highest number of deaths in a crackdown on protests against UN peacekeepers in eastern DR Congo.

More than 150 people were arrested during the crackdown by the security forces.

Writng by Omolola Ameen; Editing by Julian Osamoto

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