At least 38 civilians, including women and children, were killed in attacks carried out by the Coopérative pour le développement du Congo (CODECO) at the Blakete-Plitu mining site.
Many civilians were displaced and went missing when assailants set fire to the nearby village of Malika, where they are also believed to have raped six women.
United Nations Mission in this country, known by its abbreviation France MONUSCOconducted a medical evacuation on Monday, transporting seriously injured civilians to medical facilities in the provincial capital of Bunia.
Allow UN access
The Secretary-General extends his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wishes the injured a speedy recovery, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said in a statement. statement.
“He called on the Congolese authorities to investigate these incidents and bring those responsible to justice. The Secretary-General also called on the authorities to ensure MONUSCO immediate, free and unhindered access to the areas of attacks to facilitate efforts to protect civilians. it said.
The head of the United Nations has also called on all armed groups within the DRC to stop their “callous attacks” on civilians.
Warriors are also encouraged to participate unconditionally in the political process in the country, and lay down their arms through the Disarmament, Demobilization, Rehabilitation and Community Stabilization program.
Guterres stressed that the UN continues to support the Government and people of the Congo in their efforts towards peace and stability.
