Military to control DR Congo's violence-hit regions

Hundreds of people have been killed since the beginning of the year in the eastern provinces

The military in the Democratic Republic of Congo will take charge in two regions hit by violence that have been declared "under siege".

The local administration including governors and provincial assemblies in North Kivu and Ituri provinces will be suspended for 30 days from Thursday and substituted with military authorities.

Government spokesman Kasongo Mwema Yamba said on Monday that military will have such powers as conducting searches on people as well as restricting movement.

President Felix Tshisekedi, in a televised address on Monday, said the move followed "the cries of distress of our population, and felt the pain that our mothers, sisters and daughters are suffering in these provinces ravaged by barbarity".

The government declared a state of siege in 1 May, which was to allow authorities to take measures to address the surging insecurity in the region.

Since the beginning of the year hundreds of people have been killed in eastern DR Congo - where dozens of militia groups operate.

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Democratic Republic of Congo

Military

State of Siege