NewKerala.com

Deadly Attacks on Civilians in Eastern DRC Raise UN Alarm

At least 34 civilians have been killed in a series of attacks in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo's Ituri and North Kivu provinces. The violence has forced thousands to flee, with over 68,000 displaced in Mambasa and more than 310,000 across Beni and Lubero territories. The UN has reiterated its call for all parties to cease attacks on civilians and uphold international humanitarian law. Humanitarian partners are currently assessing the urgent needs of the displaced populations.

Key Points: UN Raises Alarm Over Deadly Attacks on Civilians in DRC

  • At least 34 civilians killed in Ituri and North Kivu
  • Attacks forced thousands to flee to neighboring villages
  • Over 68,000 displaced in Mambasa alone
  • UN calls on all parties to cease attacks on civilians
2 min read

Attacks on civilians in Democratic Republic of Congo raise alarm: UN

At least 34 civilians killed in DRC's Ituri and North Kivu provinces. UN calls for immediate ceasefire as violence displaces thousands.

"These attacks are heightening humanitarian and protection concerns - Farhan Haq"

United Nations, May 9

A new wave of deadly attacks against civilians in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has raised alarm, a UN spokesman has said.

In the last three days, at least 34 civilians have reportedly been killed in a series of attacks in Ituri and North Kivu provinces, said Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for the UN secretary-general on Friday (local time), quoting the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

In Ituri's Irumu and Mambasa, attacks reportedly killed at least 15 civilians between Tuesday and Thursday. The violence forced people to flee to neighbouring villages in North Kivu province, said Haq.

In North Kivu's Oicha, an attack by an armed group near the border with Ituri province reportedly killed at least 19 civilians on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Local partners reported that several civilians were attacked while working in their fields, and other people remain missing, he said.

In Ituri's gold-rich Mambasa, at least 130 civilians have reportedly been killed and more than 500 others abducted since mid-March.

The violence has displaced over 68,000 people within Mambasa and into neighbouring Tshopo province, while more than 310,000 people have also been displaced across Beni and Lubero territories in North Kivu province, said the deputy spokesman.

"Our humanitarian partners are currently assessing displacement and urgent needs," said Haq.

"As you can imagine, these attacks are heightening humanitarian and protection concerns in the northern parts of eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. We reiterate our call on all parties to the conflict to immediately cease attacks against civilians and on all parties to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law," he added.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
So many lives lost and families shattered. 😢 It feels like the world is looking the other way. Eastern Congo has suffered for decades due to mineral exploitation. The international community needs to act firmly—not just statements, but real action.
V
Vikram M
The UN's call to cease attacks is like a broken record. Nearly 70,000 displaced in Mambasa alone and more than 500 abducted. Where is the accountability? I hope India's peacekeeping missions can help protect civilians there. Humanity demands more than just words.
A
Ananya R
Terrible news. 😞 While we focus on our own issues, it's important to remember that conflict anywhere affects us all. The gold-rich areas are fueling these attacks. The world must stop funding violence by buying conflict minerals. Praying for peace in Congo. 🇮🇳🤝🌍
R
Rohit P
The UN should step up its peacekeeping presence in eastern DRC. 34 civilians killed in three days is unacceptable. India has a long history of contributing to UN missions. We should urge our government to push for stronger action in the Security Council.
J
James A
This is just tragic. 😢 I've been following the situation in Ituri and North Kivu. The lack of international outrage is disturbing. As a global community, we cannot allow this to continue. The attacks on farmers working in their fields are particularly cruel.
S

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50