The United Nations (UN) say at least 12 UN peacekeepers from Tanzania have been killed in an overnight attack in the Democratic Republic of Congress’ central North Kivu province.
At least 40 additional peacekeepers have been injured with four of them reported to be in a critical condition.
At least five members of the DRC’s armed forces were also killed.
The Secretary General Antonio Guterres called it the worst attack in the organisation’s recent history and offered his condolences to the victims’ families and to the people and the Government of Tanzania.
“I condemn this attack unequivocally – and these attacks against UN peacekeepers are unacceptable and constitute a war crime. I call on the DRC authorities to swiftly investigate this incident and bring the perpetrators to justice. There must be no impunity for such assaults, here or anywhere else. Military reinforcements have arrived on the scene. The force commander is there coordinating the mission’s response; the medical evacuation of casualties is ongoing. This is the worst attack on UN peacekeepers in the organisation’s recent history. It is another indication of the enormous sacrifices made by troop contributing countries in the service of global peace. These brave women and men are putting their lives on the line everyday across the world to serve peace and to protect civilians.”
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