Congolese government investigates video of civilian massacre

World Today

The Democratic Republic of Congo launched an investigation into a disturbing video, that appears to show the execution of unarmed civilians by Congolese troops.

Though first dismissed as a fake, it now has the government’s full attention.

CGTN’s Liling Tan reports.

The video shared by Congolese activists came to light over the weekend and added weight to separate reports that more than 100 people were massacred earlier this month in the central Kasai province, by members of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, known as the FARDC.

“According to information from several sources, FARDC soldiers opened fire indiscriminately with machine guns when they saw the militia fighters, who were armed mainly with machetes and spears,” Liz Throssell, a spokesperson for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights said.

The U.N. human rights chief has called for an investigation and a stop to human rights violations, while the U.S. said if the extrajudicial killing is confirmed, it would “constitute gross violations of human rights” and further destabilize the country.

Under presser to act, the Congolese Interior Minister acknowledged the video and said the government is looking beyond a military solution.