Deadly explosions hit rebel rally in eastern DR Congo (VIDEO)

A coalition of militant groups claims the African state’s president is responsible for the “massacre”

At least 11 people have been killed and 65 others wounded in explosions at an M23 rebel rally in Bukavu, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, the leader of the rebel alliance has reported. A spokesman accused the country’s president of carrying out the “terrorist attack.”

Videos shared on social media showed hundreds of people who had gathered at the Independence Square rally fleeing after the blasts, with some carrying those injured. A witness who spoke with Reuters reported hearing at least two explosions. A medical source told the outlet that 68 people were being treated at the city’s general hospital.

“The order to massacre the people of Bukavu was given by [President] Tshisekedi Tshilombo after a meeting with his last governor who was chased out of Bukavu,” AFC spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said in a statement.

In a statement on X, President Felix Tshisekedi Tshilombo announced the deaths of “several compatriots” following an explosion that took place during a “forced meeting” in the South Kivu capital, Bukavu.

“President Tshisekedi strongly condemns this heinous terrorist act which was perpetrated by a foreign army illegally present on Congolese soil,” his office stated.