Goma, October 16, 2014 - Martin Kobler, Head of MONUSCO, is deeply concerned about the recent spate in attacks against the population in the region of Beni. "I strongly condemn the criminal attacks perpetrated during the night of 15 October in the Ngadi and Kadou localities near the town of Beni in the North-Kivu Province," declared the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

This extremely violent attack during which about twenty people were slain occurred after several civilians were killed in Oicha just a week ago. These two acts were committed by elements alleged to be part of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebel group.

Following the recent upsurge of deadly attacks in the territories of Beni and Oicha, Martin Kobler reaffirmed the full support of MONUSCO to the local and national authorities in their efforts to neutralize all armed groups in Eastern DRC, including the ADF: "MONUSCO will continue to support vigorously the ongoing Operation Sokola 1, which involves the neutralization of the ADF and its leaders, the release of the remaining hostages and the complete restoration of State authority in the affected areas."

"My thoughts are with the families of victims to whom I express my deepest and most sincere condolences. Despite the shared frustration, I invite all of us to combine our efforts in order to neutralize all armed groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo," Martin Kobler, the Head of MONUSCO concluded.

Note to Editors:

- On 15 October, around 20:00 hours, a group of unidentified assailants suspected to belong to the ADF rebel group attacked the Ngadi neighborhood in the District of Rwenzori in Beni.

- A dozen victims, killed by firearms and machetes according to medical reports, were recorded in this locality.

- Thereafter, the assailants were reported to have moved to the village of Kadou where, according to the civil society, there were also a dozen casualties.

- Last week, assailants also presumed to belong to the ADF rebel group killed a dozen civilians in the town of Oicha.

- The Special Forces, the Nepalese contingent of MONUSCO and elements of the Intervention Brigade are currently deployed and are conducting intensive patrolling in the area so as to improve the protection of civilian populations.