The deadly violence reportedly broke out in the village of Nkana, about 70 kilometers northeast of the capital, on Sunday. A militia called Mobondo attacked the village, and when they were chased away by soldiers, they also turned on civilians, the military claims.
Mobondo are self-proclaimed protectors of the Yaka people, who have come into conflict with the Teke people. The latter group has lived in the area longer, and partly sees the more recently arrived Yaka as invaders.
In three years, over 5,000 people have been killed, according to the research institute Ipis.
