At least 31 people have died in clashes over succession in an ethnic militia group in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Deputy Governor Hubert Mbingho N’Vula said 13 members of the security forces were among those killed in the violence, reported BBC.

The dispute was related to the appointment of a new traditional chief of the group. The incident took place in the central Kasai province of the country over the weekend. A man and his nephew were contending for the post. N’Vula said the situation has been brought under control.