UN finds more mass graves in Congo's Kasai region

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By CGTN's Jerry Owilli

United Nations (UN) investigators, working together with local military investigators, have identified an additional 38 mass graves in six different locations in the Democratic Republic of Congo's western Kasai region.

This brings the mass graves total to nearly 80 discovered since last August.

The head of UN peacekeeping Jean-Pierre Lacroix has warned violence in the region has reached “very disturbing levels.”

Investigators have already found dozens of mass graves over the last year, since fighting began between the military and the Kamuina Nsapu militia. The insurgents are fighting to force government troops out of Kasai.

A red headband, worn by Kamuina Nsapu militia fighters, is seen at a mass grave discovered by villagers in Tshimbulu near Kananga, the capital of Kasai province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, March 11, 2017. /VCG Photo

The Congolese government blames the rebels for the mass graves, but witnesses interviewed by Reuters in March said they have seen government army trucks dumping bodies.

The UN has previously accused the military of excessive force – a claim the government denies.

The UN estimates around 3,300 people have been killed since the start of the insurrection, and a further 1.4 million people have been forced to flee the area due to the violence.

Earlier this week, the Congolese government confirmed that the country’s long-delayed election would not be held before the end of 2017.

Joseph Kabila, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo /VCG Photo

President Joseph Kabila’s second term ended last December, and the government and opposition had agreed a deal which would have seen elections held by December 31 this year.

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