Security Council condemns recent fighting, massacres in DR of Congo town

Condemning the fighting and massacres in a northeastern town of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), members of the United Nations Security Council today called for an immediate end to the violence and urged that those responsible be brought to justice.

In a press statement issued by the President of the Council, the members commended the UN Organization Mission in the DRC (MONUC) for its actions in the region and its efforts to stabilize the situation in Bunia, which was recently the scene of fierce fighting between the Hema and Lendu ethnic groups.

Council members encouraged Uganda, until its forces are entirely withdrawn from the DRC, to continue to meet its obligations impartially, in accordance with the Protocol to the Geneva Convention and the Protection of Civilians in Warfare, in the territories where its forces are present.

The statement, which was issued after UN Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Hédi Annabi briefed the Council behind closed doors on the latest developments in Bunia, also urged the international community to provide humanitarian assistance to the area.