Congo death toll rises to thousands

More than 3,300 people have been killed in central Congo’s volatile Kasai provinces since August, according to a document released yesterday by the Catholic church.

The region exploded into violence after a traditional chief known as Kamwina Nsapu was killed in a military operation in August after his militants revolted against authorities.

The subsequent fighting had been blamed for 400 deaths before the Catholic church released the new figure.

The sharply higher death toll came as the UN human rights chief criticised Congo’s government for failing to protect civilians.