Kinshasa, 21 February 2014: Martin Kobler, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General in the DRC has expressed deep concerns over yesterday’s acts of violence in Bukavu, “such events appeal to everyone’s conscience. I wish to remind the shared responsibility of political actors as well as administrative and security officials. Preserving peace and security for all as well as respect for human rights is everyone’s responsibility.”

The violent incidents broke out during a rally organized by “Union pour la Nation Congolaise (UNC)” yesterday at the Independence Square in Bukavu, South-Kivu province. Of the forty-seven persons injured as reported by health and police officials, MONUSCO has been able to visit twenty civilian and police victims and hear their testimonies.

MONUSCO highlights that the freedom of peaceful assembly and demonstration are enshrined in DRC’s Constitution.