Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kinshasa (Agenzia Fides) - Strong tension this morning in Beni and Goma, in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the population took to the streets to protest against the continuing violence committed by the Ugandan ADF rebels who in the night between Sunday 24 and Monday 25 November attacked the district of Masiani in the city of Beni.
According to local sources, in Beni the angry crowd assaulted the local headquarters of MONUSCO, the UN Mission in the DRC, whose Blue Helmets are accused of not being able to protect the population. Many now call for the withdrawal of MONUSCO, but others respond that the Congolese regular army has proved to be no less ineffective in countering the ADF's incursions.
According to the local NGO CEPADHO (Study Center for the Promotion of Peace, Democracy and Human Rights)), from October 30 to today in the second half of November, 71 civilians were killed by ADF in the city and territory of Beni, not to mention abducted people, burned houses and looting.
"CEPADHO deeply regrets that within 3 weeks since the launch of the ongoing operations against the ADF terrorists, the enemy is able to massacre at least 71 civilians and kidnap more than 30 civilians", says a statement sent to Agenzia Fides. Prophetically, however, the local NGO warned that "although it understands the people’s anger due to the continuous violence of the ADF, it invites people to remain calm and to express their feelings with caution to avoid falling into the trap of the enemy who finds pleasure in the killing of defenseless civilians, in the paralysis of activities that could cause violent protests, destruction and even deaths and injuries both among the demonstrators and the police". (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 25/11/2019)
AFRICA/SOUTH SUDAN - After the release of the main suspect, Bishops call for a “thorough investigation” into the attack on Bishop Carlassare
ASIA/LEBANON - Is there an attempt to destabilize a country shaken by the economic crisis and the conflict in the Middle East?
AFRICA/DR CONGO - At least 32 people die in a series of attacks
AMERICA/HAITI - The situation remains blocked in Haiti while the population continues to suffer
AFRICA/DR CONGO - The advance of the M23 towards Goma triggers waves of protests in the Country