Ghanaian Observer shot dead in DRC

Accra, June 1, GNA - A Ghanaian Military Observer serving with the United Nations in the Democratic Republic of Congo was at the weekend shot dead, after being picked up at night by gunmen near the eastern town of Bukavu.

The killing follows several days of clashes between rival Congolese armed factions.

Ghana News Agency investigations revealed that Naval Lieutenant Fidelis Atidiga, a marine engineer was picked up at night together with two others including a woman.

Reliable Military sources told the GNA that Lt. Atidiga before his assignment in the DRC was stationed at the Takoradi Naval Base.

The source said another narration said the soldiers, who were not armed, were ambushed and shot at.

"We are still investigating the circumstances leading to the death.

UN sources said the recent unrest in the DRC where the UN has a peacekeeping force and an observer mission had caused the fleeing of about 2,000 people to neighbouring Rwanda.

Saturday's attack, according to the source, happened at dawn as the military observers were sleeping, "the circumstances are not yet clear," he said.

"We cannot tell if the other observer is dead or alive or whether he was able to flee from his attackers."

Violence between the two sides erupted last Wednesday but there are contradictory reports on who started the fighting.

The UN has been trying to end days of clashes involving regular troops and rebel soldiers.

Congolese warring factions were supposed to unite as a single army under a peace deal brokered last year.