Kinshasa, 26 October 2013: The MONUSCO strongly condemns the multiple attacks perpetrated against civilians by elements of the Mayi-Mayi Cheka armed group, in some instances jointly with Raïa Mutomboki combatants, in several villages of the territory of Masisi, North-Kivu province, during the last weeks.

At least 34 civilians, including 20 children, were brutally killed by the Mayi-Mayi Cheka elements in different attacks in Eastern DRC.

"These atrocities are unimaginable and are contradicting the values of humanity. This must have consequences. There cannot be impunity for such atrocious acts. I urge the Mayi-Mayi Cheka to immediately abandon weapons and to stop manipulating different ethnic groups for personal interest", says Martin Kobler, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Investigations conducted by MONUSCO have helped to confirm extra-judicial mass executions of civilians, particularly children aged between 6 months and 17 years, as well as other gross human rights violations which may constitute crimes under international law, including crimes against humanity, committed during these different attacks.

Note to Editors:

On 27 September 2013, Mayi-Mayi Cheka elements, in collaboration with Raïa Mutomboki combatants attacked Lwibo village, killing at least 16 people, including 14 children, and burning and destroying 185 houses.