UN Security Council slams recent violence in DR Congo's Kasai region

The UN Security Council strongly condemned the recent violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Friday, calling for a "credible and impartial investigation."

The 15-nation UN body expressed grave concern at the recent reports of serious violations of international humanitarian law committed by local militia in the central Kasai region, including unlawful recruitment and use of child soldiers, and of killings of civilians by members of the security forces of the DRC, all of which might constitute war crimes under international law.

In a press statement, the council members said the DRC government "bears the primary responsibility to protect civilians within its territory" and urged the government to "constantly exercise maximum restraint and proportionate lawful use of force in its efforts to restore order."

"They called on the government of DRC to immediately dispatch a credible and impartial investigation and to bring to justice and hold accountable all those responsible," said the statement.

On Feb. 11, the UN Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) expressed its concern about the persistent conflict in the Kasai provinces where violent atrocities are being committed by the Kamuina Nsapu militia.

The militia is recruiting and using child soldiers while targeting symbols and institutions of State authority, according to a news release issued by MONUSCO, which also cited the disproportionate use of force by government security forces known as FARDC in their response to the situation. Endi