MONUSCO condemns rising violence in Butembo, DRC

The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) has issued a formal condemnation regarding the surge of violence in Butembo, North Kivu. In a statement released in Kinshasa, the mission expressed deep concern over the assassination of both civilians and members of the defense and security forces.

MONUSCO reported increasing hostility on the ground, including threats against the local population, armed agents, and United Nations personnel, alongside numerous acts of vandalism. The mission has called upon political actors, civil society, religious and customary authorities, and local populations to prioritize calm and responsibility to restore law and order.

Reaffirming its mandate to protect civilians, MONUSCO stated its determination to continue supporting the Congolese defense and security forces amidst the deteriorating security situation.