DR of Congo: concerned over tension in Kisangani, UN urges restraint by parties

Reacting to the tense atmosphere in Kisangani - a strategic city in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) - the United Nations mission in the country today urged all parties there to restrain their forces.

Voicing concern over recent clashes in Kisangani, a statement released in Kinshasa called on the parties to exercise restraint and halt their confrontations. The statement also called on all sides to ensure respect for human rights.

“We exhort the parties not to undertake any action that could aggravate an already complicated situation,” the statement said, expressing condolences to the families of the victims of the recent violence and pledging that the UN Mission in the DRC (MONUC) would do all possible to ensure stability in the area.

Meanwhile, UN officials on the ground, led by MONUC Deputy Force Commander General Martinelli, and including political and human rights officers, met last night with the Governor of Kisangani to stress the need for the situation to be resolved peacefully without the use of force.