UN envoy condemns attacks on key sites in DR Congo capital

31 December 2013 – The top United Nations envoy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has deplored the attacks carried out on Monday on the headquarters of the Congolese Armed Forces and of the National Radio and Television Company, as well as the international airport in the capital, Kinshasa.

Other clashes were reported in Kindu, Maniema province, and Lubumbashi, Katanga province, resulting in several deaths, including three military personnel of the Congolese armed forces, according to the UN peacekeeping mission in DRC (MONUSCO).

Martin Kobler, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative and head of MONUSCO, strongly condemned the “concomitant, indiscriminate and unacceptable attacks” perpetrated by armed men on these “strategic” sites.

He also expressed his sympathy to the Congolese armed forces, known by its French acronym FARDC, in a news release issued by the mission.

“While reiterating its wishes to see attacks on civilian populations brought to an end, MONUSCO calls on the Congolese officials to swiftly shed light on such regrettable incidents pursuant to the constitutional order and legislation,” the mission added.

MONUSCO is tasked with supporting the Congolese authorities in their stabilization and peace consolidation efforts, including assisting with the holding of elections, the monitoring of human rights violations and support for Government action against armed groups operating in the east of the country.