For their part, Congolese authorities reported that the number of civilians killed between November 29 and 30 in the village of Kishishe, North Kivu province (East), exceeded 300. The M23 command, composed of members of the Tutsi ethnic group, denied the content of the UN report.

According to the second MONUSCO report in recent weeks condemning the M23’s actions, the deaths were in reprisal against the civilian population, and 102 men, 17 women and 12 children were arbitrarily executed by shooting and other weapons.

The report, based on statements from 52 victims and witnesses, added that eight people were shot and wounded, 66 were abducted and at least 22 (adult) women and five girls were raped.

Congolese authorities claim that the M23 is supported by the Government of Rwanda, its northern neighbor, and its actions seek to create an anarchic zone in the east of the country to appropriate the minerals in the area.

The Rwandan Government denies the accusation and challenged Kinshasa to provide evidence of its allegations.

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