The Democratic Republic of Congo has said it will investigate "as a precautionary measure" a video which apparently shows government troops massacring civilians.

The seven-minute video emerged over the weekend and shows a group of uniformed men opening fire on civilians, before walking among at least 20 bodies.

Calls for an investigation into the incident, thought to have taken place in the central Kasai region, were initially rejected by the government but the approach now appears to have changed.

It said: "After the broadcast on social networks of this atrocious video caused gossip in past days... a commission of military judges has been sent to verify the facts."

The statement added that the investigation was to "shed light after the declarations of international opinion about the persistent allegations of serious violations of human rights attributed to elements of the Democratic Republic of Congo's armed forces".


The killings allegedly took place during an operation in Mwanza Lomba village, according to the government.

On Monday, the US and France urged Kinshasa to open an inquiry.

Government spokesman Lambert Mende denied there had been "back-pedalling" in the face of international outrage.

He said: "No, the government has appealed for testimony as a precautionary measure... there's a lot of agitation and we're concerned.

"The head of state is keen for matters to be clarified."

Kasai has been hit by violence since August last year, when government forces killed tribal chief and militia leader, Kamwina Nsapu.

At least 200 people have been killed since then, triggering the UN mission in the country to pledge at least 100 peacekeepers for the region.

The video has not been verified. Two other videos emerged on Monday apparently showing further abuses by DR Congo forces in Kasai.