UN investigation finds that at least 535 civilians were killed in DR Congo massacre
A preliminary United Nations investigation into a massacre allegedly carried out in western Democratic Republic of Congo last month has revealed that “at least 535 civilians were killed in four attacks”, the UN Mission in the country, MONUSCO, said on Wednesday.
UN Human right chief Michelle Bachelet earlier this month said “credible reports” had showed that hundreds of villagers from Yumbi had been killed during inter-ethnic clashes between the Banunu and Batende communities, during several days beginning 16 December.
She deplored the “shocking violence” and highlighted the importance of “investigating and bringing the perpetrators to justice”.
The initial investigation was conducted by the Joint UN Human Rights Office (UNJHRO), attached to the mission. It concluded that in addition to the dead, 111 other villagers were wounded.
The UN noted that there has been no confirmation regarding who exactly carried out the killings, but “the attacks were conducted in an organized and planned manner, and were extremely violent and fast, leaving little time for the populations to flee”.
The clashes were allegedly triggered by a dispute over the burial of the customary chief of the Banunu community.
“The team identified a total of 59 burial sites in two of the attacked towns, but do not rule out more sites,” a statement from MONUSCO read in part.
“Furthermore, 967 properties, including churches, schools and health centers were looted or destroyed, and at least 363 boats were destroyed.”
The agency said it “strongly condemns” the violence and is calling for a thorough investigation. The mission said it was ready to support the Congolese authorities to “bring justice to the victims, and promote reconciliation between the two communities.”
