Human rights inquiry opens into alleged M23 violence against civilians in DRC fighting: UN

United Nations | Xinhua | The UN mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has launched a human rights inquiry into alleged M23 violence against civilians, a UN spokeswoman said on Tuesday.

The mission, known as MONUSCO, was joined by the UN Joint Human Rights Office to look into fighting between the M23 armed militia and the Mai-Mai community in Kishishe, in Rutshuru territory, said Stephanie Tremblay, an associate spokeswoman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

She said the investigating team is conducting interviews with witnesses and victims in Kishishe, still under M23 control. The mission also protects the area where instability hampers access. The mission’s troops evacuated civilians who sought refuge at the MONUSCO base in Rwindi.

The spokeswoman said MONUSCO calls for a cessation of hostilities and fully supports regional initiatives to achieve peace.

Published reports said about 270 civilians were killed in the eastern North Kivu province hostilities last week.