Fresh Atrocities in DR Congo
New evidence has emerged of the bloody violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, sparking concerns over the potential for genocide. The UN mission in DR Congo (Monuc) says it has found the bodies of more than 230 people killed during recent clashes between rival militias in the regional capital, Bunia. Civilians fleeing into Uganda to escape violence have reported widespread atrocities by ethnic militias. News of the latest violence came as a small party of French military observers arrived in the north-east town of Bunia to investigate the possible deployment of a multinational force. British officials are considering contributing to the force, as United Nations officials in Bunia warn of the possibility of genocide if a large contingent of experienced peacekeepers is not brought in swiftly. The BBC’s Ishbel Matheson in Bunia says local people are traumatised by violence, with many leaving their homes to seek refuge at the UN compound. Full Story