KINSHASA, July 24 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) has voiced deep concern over a resurgence of armed violence in the eastern provinces of Ituri and North Kivu, which has claimed the lives of dozens of civilians since early July.

In a statement issued Wednesday in Kinshasa, the DRC capital, MONUSCO condemned recent attacks carried out by the Allied Democratic Forces, which have reportedly killed at least 82 civilians across the two provinces.

The mission also denounced the July 21 violence in Djugu territory and the looting and desecration of the Catholic parish of Lopa in Ituri Province by militia of the Cooperative for the Development of Congo (CODECO).

Attacks on places of worship, schools, and health centers constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law, MONUSCO said.

"Those responsible for these atrocities must be held accountable," said Bruno Lemarquis, acting head of MONUSCO, urging the signatories of the Aru II peace accords to honor their commitments and immediately cease hostilities.

The "Aru II" accords, signed in 2023 between the DRC government and several armed groups active in Ituri, including CODECO and its splinter factions, aimed to establish a lasting ceasefire, initiate disarmament, and facilitate the restoration of peace in a province plagued by intercommunal conflict.

The eastern DRC has witnessed decades of insecurity fueled by ethnic tensions, local militias, and foreign rebel groups operating across porous borders. Despite repeated regional peace initiatives, violence continues to displace millions and undermine efforts to stabilize the region. ■