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34 Civilians Killed in Fresh DRC Attacks
(MENAFN) A surge in deadly violence targeting civilians in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has sparked renewed concern at the United Nations, a UN spokesperson said Friday.
According to Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for the UN secretary-general, at least 34 civilians were killed over the past three days in separate assaults across Ituri and North Kivu provinces, citing information from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
In the territories of Irumu and Mambasa in Ituri province, attacks carried out between Tuesday and Thursday reportedly left at least 15 civilians dead. The violence also forced residents to flee into nearby villages in neighboring North Kivu province, Haq said.
Meanwhile, in Oicha, located in North Kivu near the Ituri border, armed group attacks on Tuesday and Wednesday reportedly killed at least 19 civilians.
Local humanitarian partners said multiple victims were attacked while working in agricultural fields, while several others remain unaccounted for, according to Haq.
The escalating violence in Mambasa — an area known for its gold resources — has intensified an already severe humanitarian crisis. Since mid-March, at least 130 civilians have reportedly been killed there, while more than 500 people have been abducted.
The unrest has also triggered massive displacement. More than 68,000 people have fled within Mambasa and into neighboring Tshopo province. Across the Beni and Lubero territories in North Kivu, displacement figures have surpassed 310,000 people, the UN official added.
"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."
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