RefWorld,
May 2, 2012.
Warring parties in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) must take measures to ensure civilians are protected, Amnesty International urged as fighting between the army and armed groups intensified in the country’s eastern province of North Kivu.
Violent clashes which flared up over the weekend between the Congolese army, the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), and FARDC deserters reportedly loyal to General Bosco Ntaganda have put the civilian population of North Kivu region at risk, prompting thousands to flee.
At least three women were killed amid fighting between FARDC and FARDC deserters on Monday in the town of Ngungu in Masisi territory but the number of civilian casualties may well be higher, Amnesty International has learnt.
