UN: Killings in DRC may amount crimes against humanity

By Bayram Altug

GENEVA (AA) - The killings of last December in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) may amount crimes against humanity, the UN reported on Tuesday.

Ravina Shamdasani, spokeswoman for the UN Human Rights Office, told reporters at the UN Geneva office that violence could outburst again at any time.

In January, the UN reported that at least 890 people died due to ethnic clashes between Banunu and Batende tribes from Dec. 16 to 18.

According to the UN investigation carried out in the villages of Yumbi region in the Mai-Ndombe province, west of the country, some 535 women, children, and men are verified to be killed in the clashes between Banunu and Batende tribes.

The death toll is estimated to rise since all areas of the clash are not covered in the investigation.

Crimes against humanity could have been committed under the direction of tribal chiefs, the spokesperson said.

Shamdasani also noted that most buildings, houses, churches, schools, and health institutions were destroyed or plundered.

More than 19,000 people were also reported to have been displaced due to the conflicts.

The violence broke out upon disputes over the burial of a Banunu tribe traditional chief.

*Writing by Munira Abdelmenan Awel