Other MoA event in Congo, the Democratic Republic of the on Wed 12th June 2024

After a deadly attack last week in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Red Cross volunteers and young people from the village of Masala in the east of the country are searching for the bodies of the missing. "We learned that our fleeing family members were killed on the way. Here we have two bodies, a girl and a boy. Look how they were killed," said Masala resident Maurice Kambale Mulehera. The Congolese government said Monday that militants allied with the Islamic State group in eastern Congo have killed at least 41 people in several villages in North Kivu province. The statement said Friday's attacks were carried out by Allied Democratic Forces militants in the villages of Masala, Mahihi and Keme. Members of local civil society said the actual toll was higher, with up to 80 people killed in the attacks. In Masala, the population is still in shock and demanding more protection from the government. “I ask the authorities to continue to protect us, because we do not know exactly where we are (they are disoriented after the attack),” he added. Eastern Congo has been plagued by armed violence for decades. More than 120 groups fight for power, land and precious mineral resources, while others try to defend their communities. Some armed groups have been accused of massacres. The violence has displaced nearly 7 million people , many of whom are beyond the reach of aid.