Gunfire and explosions tore through a rebel rally in Bukavu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, leaving at least 11 people dead and 60 others wounded, according to a hospital source quoted by AFP news agency.
The attack occurred during the first rally held by the Rwanda-backed rebels in Bukavu since they captured the city from government forces earlier this month.
Rebel leader Corneille Nangaa, who addressed the crowd before the attack, promised to bring safety and security to the city.
However, the rally was cut short when gunfire and explosions erupted, causing chaos and panic among the attendees.
The rebels have accused President Felix Tshisekedi’s government of orchestrating the attack, while Tshisekedi blamed it on “a foreign army” operating in the east.
The African Union and the UN have called for a ceasefire and for the rebels to withdraw from areas they now control.
The conflict in eastern DR Congo has forced around 500,000 people from their homes, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis.
The situation remains tense, with the rebels continuing to advance through the region.
