Press Statement
Attributable to the Spokesperson of the High Representative for the
United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC)
on killing the representative of the Islamic community in Beni, East Congo
New York – 2 May 2021
The High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, strongly condemns the brutal killing of the representative of the Islamic community of Congo’s eastern town of Beni during evening prayers at the central mosque. Sheikh Ali Amin Uthman was killed on Saturday when unidentified gunmen stormed the mosque and shot him dead. The High-Representative also denounces the violent attacks that has been taking place over the past days in nearby villages that left 19 people dead. Sheikh Uthman has been often vocal in his denunciation of violent extremism.
The High-Representative calls for respecting the sanctity of the Holy month of Ramadan and hopes that the spirit of compassion, peace and mutual respect prevails. He recalls the recommendations of the UN Plan of Action to Safeguard Religious Sites and stresses the inherent right of everyone to practice the rituals of their religions or beliefs freely and safely.
The High Representative hopes that the perpetrators of these heinous crimes would soon be brought to justice and extends his deepest condolences to the family of Sheikh Uthman as well as the families of the other victims who were killed in the past few days in east Democratic Republic of Congo.
Follow/join UNAOC’s Global Call to Action #forSafeWorship.