The United Nations has strongly condemned a series of deadly attacks carried out by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) armed group in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The attacks, which took place in North Kivu province between August 9 and 16, resulted in the deaths of at least 52 civilians, including eight women and two children, though peacekeepers on the ground believe the death toll could rise.
“These attacks targeting civilians, which add to the atrocities committed during the night of 26 to 27 July in Komanda, are intolerable and constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights,” said Binto Keita, the head of the UN Mission in the DRC, known as MONUSCO.
The violent attacks were also accompanied by abductions, looting, and the burning of homes, vehicles, and motorcycles. In a statement, MONUSCO called on all foreign armed groups, including the ADF, to lay down their arms unconditionally and return to their countries of origin. The mission also urged “the Congolese authorities to conduct thorough investigations to identify those responsible for the massacre of civilians and bring them to justice.”
In response to this new wave of violence, MONUSCO has reinforced its military presence and support for Congolese authorities. For example, during incidents in Mayi-Moya in North Kivu on August 13 and 14, MONUSCO provided physical protection to 206 civilians, including 93 children and 70 women, who had sought refuge at the mission’s military base.
“MONUSCO remains fully committed to supporting Congolese authorities and local communities in preventing further violence, protecting civilians, reducing tensions and contributing to the stabilisation of areas affected by armed conflict,” the mission said.
ABJ/APA