The International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) has condemned the deadly attack on UN peacekeepers in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) two days ago which left 19 people dead.
Elements suspected to be linked to rebel group, Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) attacked the base of United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) in Beni territory, North Kivu province in DRC killing 14 UN peacekeepers.
Five members of the Congolese air force also died in the fire exchange while 53 people sustained injuries.
The dead peacekeepers are said to have been Tanzanian nationals.
In a statement released on Saturday, the ICGLR Secretariat has condemned the “tragic attack” by the “barbaric” terrorist group.
The ICGLR Executive Secretary, Ambassador Zachary Muburi-Muita used the same statement to condole with the families of the deceased, as well as sympathizing with the DRC government.
“The Secretariat condemns in the strongest terms the tragic attack by this barbaric, terrorist group and the killing of UN Peacekeepers and the FARDC,” the statement read.
“The ICGLR Executive Secretary, Ambassador Zachary Muburi-Muita conveys his heartfelt sympathy and condolences to His Excellency, Joseph Kabila Kabange, President of the DRC, and through your Excellency to the government of the DRC, and families of those who lost their loved ones while on duty serving their country”.
The regional intergovernmental organization has further extended condolences to Tanzania’s President, Dr. John Pombe Magufuli.
ICGLR has appealed to the DRC Government, MONUSCO and the international community to “put more pressure towards the neutralisation the ADF and all other armed groups in Eastern DRC”.
The organization has also reiterated the need to double regional efforts including the full operationalization of the Joint Follow – up Mechanism on the ADF in eliminating the terrorist group, and other negative forces in the DRC and the Great Lakes region.
The statement by ICGLR follows similar condemnation by UN Secretary General, Antonio Gueterres who described the attack as “deliberate”, adding that it was the “worst attack on UN peacekeepers in organizations recent history.”
“I condemn this attack unequivocally. These deliberate attacks against UN peacekeepers are unacceptable and constitute a war crime,” Gueterres said.
