Above photo: From AfricaNews.
Since 2014, militia groups have killed over 1,000 civilians in the Beni territory in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Civilians, including children have been abducted, disappeared, injured and assassinated. An overall climate of terror has blanketed the area.
As our spokesperson, Kambale Musavuli shared earlier this Fall, the people have had enough and are beyond outraged. His grandfather initiated a hunger strike in Beni, which led to his death. This past week, the local population rose up in anger over the lack of security and protection by the United Nations Mission in the Congo (MONUSCO) and the Congolese government. The people set ablaze MONUSCO offices and demonstrated against the local police. Unfortunately, the demonstrators were fired upon by Congolese security forces killing several civilians. The UN says one of its soldiers may have shot and killed a protestor.
It is vital that the global community demand justice and security for the people of Beni. Our spokesperson, Kambale Musavuli and our Executive Director, Maurice Carney share with Al Jazeera news the need for greater global awareness and action around the atrocities in Beni.
The solution lies with the Congolese government and the Congolese people, not the United Nations,” Kambale Musavuli said to Al Jazeera.
“Credible, responsible and accountable leadership is needed at the national level – a leadership that loves the people and will spare no resource to protect and secure Congolese citizens. Such a leadership is needed if a sustainable solution is to be found,” Kambale Musavuli. Click here to read more.
More news updates:
- DR Congo: At least 19 killed in new rebel attack near Beni
- Protestors storm UN Base in Beni
- Two killed in Congo after protesters torch U.N. buildings over massacre
Follow us on Twitter @congofriends for the latest updates.