Kigali - Pro-government Congolese tribal militias and Ugandan-backed rebel forces have clashed with heavy casualties near Beni in the north-east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, military sources in Kigali said yesterday.
Strong military forces from both Uganda and neighbouring Rwanda are supporting rebel groups against the forces of President Laurent Kabila.
Ugandan sources said a senior Ugandan officer, Maj. Reuben Ikondere, and two of his escorts died in a clash with pro-Kabila tribal militia near Beni. Up to 60 Mai-Mai militiamen, who support Mr Kabila, were killed in fierce fighting, they said.