The United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo has denounced massacres that claimed 89 lives during a weeklong rampage by Islamic State-affiliated militants across multiple villages in North Kivu province. Allied Democratic Forces fighters targeted communities in Lubero territory, with the assault on Byambwe proving particularly brutal as 17 people perished after attackers torched maternity facilities at a Catholic health center while women remained inside. Other settlements endured kidnappings, medical supply theft, and widespread arson that displaced already vulnerable populations.
MONUSCO deputy chief Bruno Lemarquis warned that assaults on healthcare infrastructure could constitute war crimes under international humanitarian statutes. Kinshasa reported a lower casualty figure of 25 deaths through government spokesman Patrick Muyaya Katembwe, who pledged intensified military action against militia networks.
The extremist group has operated from Congolese border regions since Ugandan forces expelled them two decades ago, continuing deadly civilian attacks despite ongoing joint counterinsurgency operations between Kampala and Kinshasa.
MONUSCO deputy chief Bruno Lemarquis warned that assaults on healthcare infrastructure could constitute war crimes under international humanitarian statutes. Kinshasa reported a lower casualty figure of 25 deaths through government spokesman Patrick Muyaya Katembwe, who pledged intensified military action against militia networks.
The extremist group has operated from Congolese border regions since Ugandan forces expelled them two decades ago, continuing deadly civilian attacks despite ongoing joint counterinsurgency operations between Kampala and Kinshasa.
