UN calls on Congo to protect refugees after deadly shooting

DAKAR, Senegal – The U.N. refugee agency is calling on Congo’s government to ensure protection for refugees and asylum-seekers after Congolese soldiers shot and killed at least 39 Burundian protesters, including a child.

The agency said Tuesday that many of the dead and the 94 wounded were refugees and asylum-seekers.

Congo authorities have said they would launch an investigation into Friday’s shooting, which the refugee agency says began with a peaceful protest over the detention of some Burundians who feared deportation.

U.N. refugee chief Filippo Grandi says the “devastating tragedy” should never have happened and he calls on Congo’s government to launch a detailed inquiry.

The U.N. agency says the situation in Kamanyola in Congo’s east remains tense, with more than 2,400 Burundians seeking protection near the U.N. peacekeeping mission base.