U.N. says transfer of disarmed Congolese forces from Goma to Kinshasa completed; reports renewed attacks in Ituri and South Kivu

The United Nations reported that it welcomed the transfer of more than 1,300 disarmed Congolese Armed Forces and national police personnel and their dependents from MONUSCO premises in Goma to Kinshasa, describing the operation as complete.

U.N. officials said the transfer began April 30 and over 16 days the International Committee of the Red Cross, with logistical support from the U.N., facilitated eight rotations from Goma via Beni to Kinshasa. Farhan said the mission provided shelter to the personnel after they were disarmed in accordance with U.N. regulations following M23 activities that had affected Goma earlier in the year.

Nut graf: The U.N. framed the transfer as the conclusion of a specific operation to move disarmed personnel to Kinshasa, and it reaffirmed its commitment to implementing MONUSCOmandate and to supporting ceasefire efforts in the country.

The briefing also described fresh violence: U.N. colleagues at the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs warned of rising attacks on civilians in Irumu territory in Ituri province after a month of relative calm; one-day reports said at least seven civilians were killed in simultaneous attacks across multiple villages and many homes were set on fire. In South Kivu province, heavy fighting on May 13 in Kalehe territory forced many people to flee; local civil society partners reported at least six civilian casualties. U.N. officials said displacement estimates for the latest incidents were not yet available.

Ending: The U.N. said it commends the International Committee of the Red Cross for facilitating the movements and reiterated readiness to support broader peace efforts.