Human Rights Watch says the imposition of martial law in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo has failed to stop rebel attacks and that hundreds of civilians have been killed in recent months.

President Félix Tshisekedi handed greater powers to the military in May in an effort to improve security in Ituri and North Kivu provinces.

The rights group says that since then, over 600 civilians have been killed – with most attacks blamed on the ADF rebel group.

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The Congolese security forces killed 67 civilians.

It says many people across eastern Congo still live in constant fear of the next massacre.

Analysts say the military has not increased its operations to improve civilian protection.

Across the two provinces the violence has forced 3.5 million people to flee their homes.

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BBC