Appalled by Reported Civilian Deaths in Democratic Republic of Congo, Secretary-General Reiterates Commitment to Support Authorities

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is appalled by reports of the killing of at least 36 civilians on 13 August in the area of Rwangoma village, North Kivu Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, by suspected members of the Allied Democratic Forces.  The Secretary-General condemns in the strongest terms this latest attack in the Beni area where, since October 2014, several hundred civilians have been killed by suspected members of the Allied Democratic Forces.

The Secretary-General extends his condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  He calls for those responsible for this attack to be brought to justice.  He reiterates the commitment of the United Nations to support the authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in their efforts to address the threat posed by armed groups and end impunity, in line with the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) mandate.