DR Congo: Bishop appeals against violence

Source: Fides News

Bishop Melchisedee Sikuli Paluku of Butembo-Beni has urged government forces and the Mission de l'Organisation des Nations unies pour la stabilisation en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO), to review their strategy against Ugandan rebels in and around the Congolese city of Beni, following a recent massacre.

In a 22 September raid of alleged Ugandan rebels of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in the municipality of Rwenzori and Beu, northeast of the DR Congo, at least 14 civilians and 4 soldiers were killed, while hundreds of others were injured. The city is on the border with Uganda in northern Kivu.

The Bishop said: "I especially express my condolences to the families affected who unexpectedly lost their loved ones in this unbearable tragedy and, in faith in Jesus, who is the resurrection and life, I recommend the souls of these innocents to the mercy of God". The Bishop called on government authorities "to better fulfill their responsibilities to protect the population, defend the territory and safeguard national sovereignty".

It is estimated that, since 2014, the group is responsible for the death of over 1,500 people and 800 abductions. The AFD having been sowing terror in a region with a Christian majority, where the Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers) have been working for years, committed to promoting human dignity and engagement with Muslims. Beni is also at the centre of the current Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo, which has already killed 99 people and left almost 200 children orphaned.