UN military observer killed in DR of Congo ambush

A United Nations military observer was killed today in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during the ambush of a UN convoy as it returned from investigating allegations of extortion by local militia members.

The UN Organization Mission in the DRC (MONUC) said the military and civilian convoy was on its way back to its headquarters in Bunia from its probe of claims that armed members of the Union of Congolese Patriots (UPC) had been shaking down civilians in Katoto. It was ambushed and attacked.

Reinforcements helped retrieve the body of the observer, who was from Kenya.

In New York, Secretary-General Kofi Annan reaffirmed "MONUC's determination in cooperating with the Government of the DRC to pursue the culprits and bring to justice all those who are responsible for this reprehensible and criminal act."

Last month the Secretary-General's Special Representative for the DRC, William Lacy Swing, summoned UPC leader Thomas Lubanga to denounce the numerous UPC attacks on MONUC troops, especially the Ituri Brigade.