KINSHASA, Congo (AP) — The U.N. says 400,000 people have been displaced in recent months by fighting involving local militia groups in Congo’s mineral-rich southeast Katanga province.

Yvon Edoumou, communications officer for the U.N.’s humanitarian agency in Congo, said Monday that the violence had targeted at least 20 villages since October. Edoumou said groups including Mai Mai Bakata-Katanga, which is fighting for the province’s independence, are believed to have been involved.