DRC rebels hold convoy of mine trucks, fight army in east

Goma - Democratic Republic of Congo's army says at least five people have been killed in fighting with an armed militia in the eastern South Kivu province since last week.

Captain Dieudonne Kasereka, army spokesperson in South Kivu, said on Monday that Mai Mai rebels have taken over four localities in Fizi territory. Fighting since Thursday has killed four rebels and one soldier.

Canadian company Banro Mining Corp. said Monday a convoy of 23 trucks belonging to contractors for the Namoya mine were trapped in the crossfire in Lulimba, which is controlled by rebels.

Fizi civil society leader Josue Lwanusha said the militia is holding 18 Tanzanian and three Ugandan drivers.

Banro said the army is securing the Namoya mine. Rebels in March kidnapped five workers there, though all have since been released.