Police fire live bullets to disperse protesters as DRC soldiers flog Ugandans

Police fire live bullets to disperse protesters in Zombo,  Police from Zeu Police post in Zeu Sub-County, Zombo district fired live bullets on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, to disperse rowdy and protesting youths of Zeu Lor trading centre,  who mounted roadblocks to intercept Congolese nationals.

The Congolese came to the Zeu Weekly market.

The youths were protesting after many of them were reportedly beaten, flogged and fined by Congolese soldiers in DR Congo over the weekend.

Local leaders say the youths were allegedly arrested by DR Congo soldiers on Sunday,  and subjected to all forms of punishment when they were hired by some Avocado traders from Kampala who frequently buy the products in the area.

The District councillor of Zeu Sub-County Roy Masendi says the youths were hired by avocado traders from Kampala, who frequently cross to DR Congo to buy Avocado in bulk. He added that calm was restored after live bullets were fired.

” when they went to Congo, they were reportedly beaten and fined by Congolese authorities, they came back on Monday and launched their protest on Tuesday against all Congolese nationals who came to Zeu Market” Masendi told Whisper Eye News in an interview.

He added that one protester was arrested to help in the investigation.

As calm has been restored,  a joint security meeting between Uganda and DR Congo leaders along the border is to be convened on Thursday this week to resolve the matter.