Slaying of 12 peacekeepers in Congo a 'war crime,' UN chief says
At least 12 UN peacekeepers were killed and at least 40 others were injured, four of them critically, in the attack in the eastern province of North Kivu, Antonio Guterres said, citing early reports. At least five members of Congo's armed forces also were slain, he said.
The UN peacekeepers all were Tanzanians, Guterres said. Earlier, two UN sources told CNN 14 peacekeepers had been killed.
"I
condemn this attack unequivocally," he said. "These deliberate attacks
against UN peacekeepers are unacceptable and constitute a war crime. I
call on the DRC authorities to investigate this incident and swiftly
bring the perpetrators to justice. There must be no impunity for such
assaults, here or anywhere else."
The
largest of the UN's current 15 peacekeeping missions is in the
Democratic Republic of Congo, with more than 22,000 personnel.
The Secretary-General’s full remarks on the attack on @MONUSCO peacekeepers: https://t.co/em725PoSoM— UN Spokesperson (@UN_Spokesperson) December 8, 2017
The eastern part of Congo has been embroiled in violence since 1994, when Hutu forces crossed the border from Rwanda fearing reprisals following the genocide there.
"This
is the worst attack on UN peacekeepers in the organization's recent
history," Guterres added. "It is another indication of the enormous
sacrifices made by troop contributing countries in the service of global
peace. These brave women and men are putting their lives on the line
every day across the world to serve peace and to protect civilians."
CNN
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