By CECILIA OLOGUNAGBA

UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, on Tuesday condemned violent attacks on peacekeeping mission (MONUSCO) personnel in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Mr Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General, at a news conference at UN headquarters, said that the attackers snatched weapons from Congolese police and fired upon UN uniformed personnel at the MONUSCO Butembo base on Tuesday.

According to Haq, one military peacekeeper and two UN police personnel were killed while another was injured.

“We add our voice to the Acting Head of MONUSCO, Khassim Diagne, to condemn the killing of our colleagues and to express our deepest sympathy to their families and colleagues.

“Diagne has described the violence against the UN as `absolutely unacceptable and counterproductive’

“He said that it was unacceptable given that the Mission is in the country to work alongside local authorities to protect civilians, deter armed groups, and build the capacity of state institutions and services.

“The official called on Congolese authorities, civil society, and community groups to denounce the violence.

“It is not in chaos and confusion or division that we will make progress towards stability and peace,” Haq said.

The deputy spokesperson said that at least four incidents had targeted MONUSCO staff residences and other staff members have now been relocated to camps.

Earlier, he said that a mob had tried to enter the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) compound in Goma, but were repelled by security guards.

Haq further said that hundreds of assailants had again attacked UN bases in Goma and other parts of North Kivu province, fueled by hostile remarks and threats made by individuals and groups against the UN, particularly on social media.

“Mobs are throwing stones and petrol bombs, breaking into bases, looting and vandalising, and setting facilities on fire.

“The situation is very volatile, and reinforcements are being mobilised.

“Our quick reaction forces are on high alert and have been advised to exercise maximum restraint, using tear gas to disperse protestors and only firing warning shots when UN personnel or property are under attack,’’ the deputy spokesperson said.

He said that some assistance to protect facilities was now being received from the Congolese Armed Forces (NAN)