The Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres, strongly condemned on Tuesday the attack against blue helmets of the UN Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (Monusco) which occurred on July 26 in Butembo, in the province of North Kivu. , in the east of the country.
A Moroccan peacekeeper and two Indian police officers were killed by demonstrators demanding the departure of Monusco from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). According to the UN mission in this country, « attackers violently snatched weapons from elements of the Congolese National Police and fired at point-blank range at our peacekeeping forces ».
Guterres also condemned the July 25 violence that targeted several UN bases in Goma, North Kivu province, « during which individuals and groups forced their way into the bases and looting and destruction of United Nations property, while looting and burning residences of United Nations personnel”.
Recalling that « any attack directed against United Nations peacekeepers may constitute a war crime », the UN chief called on « the Congolese authorities to investigate these incidents and quickly bring those responsible to justice », while assuring the UN’s commitment to work with Kinshasa on this.
Many Congolese no longer want Monusco, present for three decades in the country, believing that it does not meet its obligations.
But the head of the mission had to recall that “Monusco is mandated by the Security Council to support the authorities in protecting civilians. It stands alongside the populations and supports the national defense and security forces in their fight against armed groups. The Mission also supports the Congolese authorities in their efforts to restore the authority of the State”.
By OMA Newsletter N° 798 of 07/28/2022
Article published under the direction of Dr. Najib Kettani
The OMA, NGO with an Intercontinental vocation
For the development of cultural exchanges
Valuing human potential
The promotion and consolidation of Africa’s development, and
Inter-African integration
