Kwamouth: Local chief installed by militiamen killed amid rivalry between Mobondo factions

A customary chief installed in Mbutie by Matondo, a former Mobondo militia leader now in Kinshasa after surrendering to the army, was killed Saturday in Vanga. Stany Libie, chief of Kimomo village, said the suspected perpetrators were peace-process holdouts from the faction led by Cobra, who allegedly sought to challenge Matondo. The killing sparked panic in Kwamouth and, Libie said, underscores continuing insecurity despite efforts by the pacification commission. The army has also warned that Cobra’s fighters are taxing farmers before allowing them to reach their fields.