Militants killed more than 50 civilians in eastern DR Congo

At least 52 civilians were killed in an attack by fighters from the Congo Development Cooperative (CODECO) group on several settlements in Ituri province in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Radio Okapi reported on February 11.

"At least 52 civilians were killed, eight others wounded and dozens of houses burned down on Monday night (February 11) during an attack by CODECO militants on population centers <...> in Dguju (Ituri) territory," the publication said.

The militants opened fire on civilians, some attacking with machetes. They also set dozens of houses on fire, sowing mass panic in the region, the radio station reported, citing sources.

According to the report, UN peacekeepers in the DRC (MONUSCO) and the DRC Armed Forces (FARDC) have increased patrols in the area to guarantee security and reassure the population.

On the brink of a major war: Rwanda and DR Congo fight over resources

The current conflict could affect the whole of Africa and affect the interests of Western countries

Earlier, on February 5, the UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) reported that more than 2,900 people were killed in an attack by M23 (March 23 Movement) rebels on the town of Goma in the DRC.

The escalation in the DRC came after the government severed diplomatic relations with Rwanda and accused the country of supporting the rebels who launched a new offensive on the town of Goma. The DRC Foreign Ministry on January 26 announced the immediate withdrawal of its diplomats in the Rwandan capital Kigali and ordered the country's embassy in Kinshasa to cease operations within 48 hours.

On January 27, March 23 Movement leader Cornel Nangaa claimed control of the city of Goma. Rebels cut food and essential supplies routes into the city from the south. Reuters reported on January 28 that Congolese rebels from M23 had taken control of the airport in the city of Goma. It was noted that it was through it that the UN, humanitarian groups and peacekeepers were delivering supplies.

Russian Permanent Representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzya, in turn, emphasized that Russia strongly condemns the actions of the Congolese rebel group M23 in the DRC and calls for a cessation of hostilities.