Massacre in the Congo

Massacre in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

The United States condemns the brutal and cowardly massacre of civilians that took place on July 9 in Ntulumamba, South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Initial reports indicate that about 40 people, mostly women and children, were deliberately murdered by armed men who forced the victims into buildings, which were then burned.

This attack underscores the need for Rwandan rebel forces operating in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to disarm and repatriate immediately. It is equally important that other armed militia forces disarm, in order to permit reestablishment of secure and stable conditions throughout the Democratic Republic of the Congo under the authority and control of that nation’s government.

We fully support the United Nations Mission to the Congo’s decision to dispatch immediately a mission to the area to determine the facts about the attack and identify those responsible. The United States joins the international community in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in calling for those guilty of such barbarous acts to be brought to justice.

Source: state.gov/ 2005/697 Press Statement, Tom Casey, Acting Spokesperson, Washington, DC July 13, 2005 the Congo and state department and department of state or Rwanda