Kinshasa, 28 November, 2019 / 2:32 am (ACI Africa).
Following incidences of renewed violence in the Eastern parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that have resulted in the killing of civilians, Bishops in the central African nation have expressed concern that, if not addressed urgently, their country could plunge “into a cycle of violence” that risks worsening the already deplorable living conditions of the Congolese.
“The National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) is very concerned about the socio-security situation in the east of our country, particularly in the provinces of North and South Kivu, due to the resurgence of violence and killings,” reads in part a statement by the umbrella body of Catholic Bishops in DRC, CENCO.
“Without an appropriate solution, the situation in Beni town and territory and the Minembwe Highlands in Fizi territory could lead the country into a cycle of violence that will prevent the improvement of living conditions for Congolese people and the stability of the country,” the Bishops have noted in their communique availed to ACI Africa, Tuesday, November 26.
While referring to an operation launched by DRC Armed Forces (FARDC) supported by the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the country (MONUSCO) against the rebels, the Allied Democratic Forces – National Army for the Liberation of Uganda (ADF-NALU) in Beni town, the Prelates noted that the people in the area are suffering from retaliation attacks.
“Since 30 October 2019, the FARDC supported by MONUSCO has launched in-depth operations against these "alleged ADF-NALU", the Bishops recall in their collective statement and add, “the poor population suffers ‘reprisals’.”
