HUMAN rights organisations have condemned the ruthless massacre of scores of civilians on Tuesday in a refugee camp in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) reported today that guns and machetes were used to attack the camp for displaced people near Bule in Ituri Province.

Initial reports indicated at least 59 people had been killed and 40 injured in the Plaine Savo camp, which is home to more than 24,000 residents who were forced to flee violence that erupted in Djugu territory in 2019.

“This is the latest in a series of brutal attacks in Ituri. Plaine Savo is populated by families — vulnerable families — who have fled similar violence with their children and are seeking only the right to live in peace,” NRC spokeswoman Caitlin Brady said.

“There has never been and never will be any justification for attacks on civilians. Those responsible for must be held to account,” she added.

Attacks by armed groups against displaced people have escalated in recent months. Around 68 people were killed in attacks on five camps in November last year, triggering new waves of displacement.

“We urge the Congolese authorities to immediately redouble efforts to provide protection of civilians and take concrete steps to address the drivers of conflict in the east of the country,” Ms Brady said.