Democratic Republic of the Congo

At least 32 people were killed in eastern DR Congo on Saturday and Sunday nights, where attacks on civilians by rebel groups have sparked protests against United Nations peacekeepers, local officials said.

In late November, a growing anti-United Nations (UN) sentiment swept through several towns in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In the town of Beni, protesters attacked UN bases and staff housing, expressing anger that the UN peacekeeping mission (MONUSCO) has not adequately protected civilians. On social media, opportunistic propaganda spread recycled claims that MONUSCO is collaborating with rebels and seeking to exploit Congo’s mineral wealth.

The United States imposed sanctions on the leader of an Islamist rebel group and five others on Tuesday for perpetrating serious human rights abuses including mass rape, torture and killings in eastern Congo, the U.S. Treasury said.

The Security Council has an opening to rethink its approach to DR Congo with this month’s mandate renewal of the UN peacekeeping mission. The council should prioritise local conflict resolution and bolstering President Tshisekedi’s efforts to improve regional relations to combat over 100 armed groups ravaging the east.

At least two people reportedly killed as demonstrations continue demanding UN peacekeepers leave the Beni area.

Angry locals in eastern Congo have accused a UN mission of failing to prevent a massacre. But in an interview with DW, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Congo native Denis Mukwege argues the mission is a necessary presence.

[…] The death occurred on Tuesday in the eastern city of Beni where locals have been demonstrating against MONUSCO, accusing it of failing to protect them against a notorious militia.

Peacekeepers from the UN Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) were conducting extensive patrols in the east of the country on Tuesday, one day after demonstrators set fire to buildings to protest lack of civilian protection in the face of attacks by armed groups.

More than one-third of the United Nation’s Ebola responders in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo city of Beni were relocated Tuesday amid growing insecurity in the area, while the other responders remained to help combat the deadly outbreak.