Mr Guterres has strongly condemned the attacks carried out on November 29 and 30 in the villages of Kishishe and Bambo in Rutshuru territory in North Kivu province in the troubled east of the country
At least 131 civilians were killed, including 17 women and 12 children, and eight others were injured.
Assistance with investigations
“The Secretary-General expresses his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wishes the injured a speedy recovery,” said UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric a statement on Friday.
“He welcomes the decision of the Congolese authorities to investigate these incidents in order to bring those responsible to justice.”
Meanwhile, the UN human rights office in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its peacekeeping operation there MONUSCOwill continue to support the government in these efforts.
Cease hostilities now
“The Secretary-General urges the M23 and all other armed groups to immediately cease hostilities and unconditionally disarm,” the statement continued.
Mr. Guterres also called on all parties to facilitate humanitarian access to affected communities and to ensure the protection of civilians and respect for international humanitarian law.
He also underlined the United Nations’ continued commitment to support the Congolese government and people in their efforts to bring peace and stability to the east of the country.
The attacks are the latest in a string of violence inflicted on civilians by armed groups in eastern DRC.
MONUSCO boss Bintou Keita informed the UN Security Council Friday in New York.
She told the ambassadors that the security situation in eastern DRC had “deteriorated dramatically” in recent weeks.
