More than 3,300 people have been killed in the violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo's Kasai region since last October, the Catholic Church says.
The figure, reported by the Reuters news agency, is from Church sources.
The deaths are the result of clashes between the army and a rebel group, but civilians have also been caught up in the violence.
The UN has reported on the discovery of more than 20 mass graves but has put the death toll so far at about 400.
According to the church, 20 villages have been completely destroyed, half of them by government troops.
The UN Human Rights Council is likely to vote this week on whether to mandate an independent investigation into the violence following what the group's commissioner described as horrific atrocities committed in Kasai province.
The Congolese authorities have said they would reject it.
More than a million people have been displaced in the region in the last year and aid workers say the humanitarian response on the ground has so far been inadequate.
Violence erupted in the once peaceful Kasai region last August, after the death of a local leader during fighting with security forces.
Latest Stories
-
19 steps for getting over even the most devastating breakup fast
1 hour -
8th Ghana CEO Summit launched with focus on AI transformation, economic diversification
1 hour -
Prof Opoku-Agyemang has not been given a fair appraisal – Ablakwa
1 hour -
Rainstorm wreaks havoc in Keta and Anloga districts, residents count their losses
1 hour -
Global Plastics Treaty negotiations begin in Ottawa as countries converge on phasing out problematic plastic uses
2 hours -
Support energy alternatives adoption to sustain businesses – GUTA tells government
2 hours -
11th DRIF opens in Accra with a call on governments to focus on digital inclusion
2 hours -
Stakeholders outline plans at RE4C Coalition’s General Assembly in Accra
2 hours -
Women Need ‘shock observers’ for active political participation – Ex-Bauchi Assembly Member
2 hours -
2024 polls: Stop fighting over positions in Mahama’s next government – Asiedu Nketiah
2 hours -
Although people may not always listen to the lyrics, there’s still a market for rap in Ghana – E.L.
2 hours -
Passengers appeal to transport operators to officially announce new fares
2 hours -
Damongo: About 400 NPP Members resign over Minister’s alleged meddling in chieftaincy affairs
3 hours -
Next NDC government will pay special attention to women – Naana Opoku-Agyemang
3 hours -
Amerado is singing and it’s good he’s doing that – Lyrical Joe
3 hours