"High number of deaths" reported in Kananga area of DRC

The UN Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, MONUSCO, has received "credible reports of high numbers of deaths" in clashes between militia and government troops in the Kananga and Kasai regions.

Maman Sambo Sidikou, head of MONUSCO, called for the "immediate cessation of violence" in the area, and the immediate halt on restrictions of movement on UN peacekeepers in the DRC.

"MONUSCO is concerned by the attacks of militiamen against State institutions and symbols, but also by the disproportionate use of force by the security and defense forces and the targeting of civilians, including women and children." Farhan Haq, UN Deputy Spokesperson, 

Friction between army personnel and the Kamwina Nsapu militia has grown in recent months.

Two UN experts and three Congolese colleagues were kidnapped just over a week ago in Kasai province and violence has been spreading across DRC due to a prolonged political crisis.

SOURCE: UN Radio