Kinshasa, DRC – (African Boulevard News) – UN officials have called for an “independent” investigation following a deadly crackdown on an anti-MONUSCO protest in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The protests, which took place on Wednesday in Goma, resulted in the deaths of at least 43 people, including a policeman, with 56 others reported injured.
The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) has faced mounting criticism for its alleged involvement in the violent suppression of the protest. Activists have accused MONUSCO of using excessive force and violating human rights during the crackdown.
“We are extremely alarmed that innocent civilians lost their lives and were injured during the demonstrations,” said a UN spokesperson. “There needs to be a thorough and independent investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding these tragic events.”
The protest was organized by a coalition of civil society groups demanding the withdrawal of MONUSCO forces from the region. MONUSCO, the largest UN peacekeeping mission in the world, has been deployed in the DRC since 1999 to maintain stability and support the country’s political transition.
The clashes between protesters and security forces erupted when demonstrators attempted to breach a security cordon near a MONUSCO base. Reports suggest that the police responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition to disperse the crowd.
International human rights organizations have condemned the use of excessive force and called for accountability. Amnesty International issued a statement urging DRC authorities to conduct an impartial investigation into the crackdown and hold those responsible for the deaths and injuries accountable.
“The DRC government must ensure that the rights of individuals to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are respected,” said the Amnesty International spokesperson. “Security forces should exercise restraint and avoid the use of excessive force.”
In response to the growing outcry, the DRC government has announced that it will launch an investigation into the incident. However, human rights groups have raised concerns about the government’s ability to conduct an impartial probe, given its history of blocking independent investigations into security force abuses.
The UN’s demand for an independent investigation reflects the international community’s concern over the escalating violence in the DRC. The country has experienced widespread insecurity, including armed conflicts and human rights abuses, for years.
It is crucial that a transparent and impartial investigation takes place to establish the truth and hold those responsible accountable. The international community must continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure justice is served and prevent further violence in the DRC.
