United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday condemned the recent killing of some 50 villagers by militants in northeast Mozambique.

 

Through a statement by his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, the UN chief expressed his shock over the acts occured last week in Cabo Delgado Province, urging the country's authorities to conduct an investigation into these incidents and hold those responsible to account.

 

He called on all parties to the conflict to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law.

 

The UN chief reiterated the commitment of the UN to continue to support the people and government of Mozambique in urgently addressing immediate humanitarian needs and efforts to uphold human rights, promote development and prevent the spread of violent extremism.

 

The militants also attacked several nearby villages, looting and burning down homes before retreating into the mountains.