Source: Mission de l'Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO) |

MONUSCO expresses serious concern over recent developments in Kananga

During the night of 14 to 15 March 2017, operations by the security forces in Kananga resulted in numerous deaths

KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo, March 20, 2017/APO/ --

MONUSCO expresses grave concern over reports of renewed violence in Kananga between 14 and 17 March 2017. The Mission has received credible reports of high numbers of deaths in the context of clashes between Kamwina Nsapu militiamen and members of the Congolese security forces.
 

MONUSCO is concerned by the attacks of Kamwina Nsapu militiamen against State institutions and symbols, but also the disproportionate use of force by the security and defense forces and the targeting of civilians, including women and children. During the night of 14 to 15 March 2017, operations by the security forces in Kananga resulted in numerous deaths.

MONUSCO also expresses serious concern over restrictions placed on its freedom of movement by security forces in Kananga in recent days, which restrict the ability of the Mission to exercise its mandate.

“I call for the immediate cessation of violence in Kananga and the Kasai region, and denounce the use of disproportionate force”, said Maman Sambo Sidikou, Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations for the DRC. “I also call for an immediate halt on restrictions on the freedom of movement on MONUSCO, which impede on the ability of the Mission to discharge its full mandate in the DRC. I further call for an investigation by the appropriate authorities into events in Kananga in recent days, and that those found responsible for any human rights violations be held fully accountable.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mission de l'Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO).