MONUC's POSITION ON THE MASSACRE OF KALONGE, NORTH-KIVU [1]

3 Mar 2009

MONUC's POSITION ON THE MASSACRE OF KALONGE, NORTH-KIVU

Kinshasa, 21 February 2008

The United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) has taken note of the communiqué issued by the Congrès national pour la défense du peuple (CNDP) regarding the massacre of civilians in the Kalonge area in North Kivu in January of this year.

The MONUC investigation of these killings was conducted with professional care and its findings reflect credible information received from a number of eye witnesses and other sources. The Mission believes that any other independent and impartial enquiry will confirm the outcome of the investigation and MONUC is ready to cooperate with such an enquiry.

This investigation was carried out in accordance with MONUC's mandate to protect civilians under imminent threat of physical violence and to assist the fight against impunity. MONUC has conducted similar investigations several times in the past when serious allegations have been made against armed groups or the national forces and has subsequently made the findings public.

The Mission has already issued a statement deploring the recent incident that occurred at the Centre de Brassage in Kamina. The Mission wishes to point out, however, that it does not manage the Centre and is therefore not responsible for that unfortunate event.

MONUC encourages the CNDP to work actively with the signatories of the Goma Actes d'engagement and the international facilitation, to ensure their full and rapid implementation for the benefit of the people of the Kivus.

Press Releases 2008 [2]