MONUSCO condemns ADF attacks that killed 89 civilians in North Kivu
Of the 89 victims, 20 women, some of whom were killed while receiving care at a maternity ward inside a health centre operated by the Catholic church, and an undetermined number of children.
The United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) has condemned attacks linked to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) that killed at least 89 civilians in Lubero Territory, North Kivu, over the past week.
In a statement, the peacekeeping force said of the 89 victims, 20 were women, some of whom were killed while receiving care at a maternity ward inside a health centre operated by the Catholic church, and an undetermined number of children.
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The attackers set four wards housing patients on fire.
"MONUSCO extends its sincere condolences to the bereaved families and communities and expresses the solidarity of the United Nations with all those affected. The Mission recalls that violence committed against civilians, including in medical facilities, may constitute war crimes and serious violations of international humanitarian law," said Bruno Lemarquis, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the DRC and Acting Head of MONUSCO.
In the other localities, including Mabiango, Tunarudi, Sambalysa, Thucha, and Butsili, locals were subjected to serious abuses, including abductions, the looting of medical supplies, the burning of homes, and the destruction of property belonging to communities already facing severe humanitarian vulnerability.
Lemarquis reiterated the call of the United Nations Secretary-General for all local and foreign armed groups to lay down their weapons unconditionally and urged the Congolese authorities to promptly initiate independent and credible investigations to identify the perpetrators and accomplices of these massacres and bring them to justice.
The Mission reiterated its commitment to standing with the communities, supporting the Congolese authorities and regional partners in their efforts to protect civilians, prevent human rights violations, and combat impunity.
In the meantime, MONUSCO continue with peacekeeping operations in the areas where they are deployed.
Some of its operations, particularly those conducted by the Force Intervention Brigade, recently included Operation Nyondo, which helped curb further ADF attacks in the Komanda area.
Through Operation Safisha, the FARDC and the Brigade’s troops also continue to pursue ADF elements in the localities situated between Beni and Eringeti and along the Beni–Kasindi axis.
At the same time, Operation Midnight Guard, which remains ongoing, aims to secure major population centres along the Beni–Eringeti axis during nighttime hours.
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