Rwanda’s Military and M23 Rebels Shell Displaced Persons Camps in Eastern Congo, Human Rights Report Reveals
Human Rights Watch reported that Rwanda’s army and the M23 rebel group have shelled displaced person camps in eastern Congo, jeopardizing the lives of thousands. The Congolese army has also been criticized for positioning artillery near these camps. The humanitarian crisis in the region is exacerbated by ongoing violence, leading to millions being displaced due to conflicts among numerous armed groups. The situation has prompted legal actions against Rwanda for violating Congo’s sovereignty and calls for sanctions from Congo’s President.
Rwanda’s military forces, in conjunction with the M23 rebel group they support, have been reported to have shelled camps for displaced individuals residing in eastern Congo, as stated by Human Rights Watch. According to a report released on Thursday, these attacks have occurred since the start of the year and have targeted camps that are currently sheltering tens of thousands of people. Furthermore, the report highlights that the Congolese army has exacerbated the situation by positioning artillery near these camps, increasing the vulnerability of displaced persons to violence. The report details incidents where both parties have been implicated in the killing of camp inhabitants, committing acts of sexual violence, and obstructing humanitarian aid. The ongoing violence in eastern Congo has been marked by the hostility of more than 120 armed groups vying for control over land and valuable resources, leading to significant human rights violations, including mass murders and sexual assaults. The humanitarian crisis has resulted in the displacement of approximately six million individuals in the region. The March 23 Movement (M23), primarily composed of ethnic Tutsis, broke away from the Congolese army over a decade ago and staged a significant offensive in 2012, capturing the provincial capital of Goma, which they currently threaten once more. The Congolese government alleges that Rwandan forces are complicit in aggressions and war crimes in the eastern part of the country, while U.S. and U.N. watchdogs accuse Rwanda of providing military assistance to the M23. Although Rwanda denies these allegations, it acknowledged in February the presence of its troops and missile systems in eastern Congo citing security concerns related to a buildup of Congolese forces near the border. A recent United Nations assessment estimated the presence of between 3,000 and 4,000 Rwandan military personnel operating alongside M23 forces. Following these developments, a regional court in East Africa has initiated proceedings in a case presented by Congo against Rwanda, asserting violations of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. In a speech delivered at the United Nations General Assembly, Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi urged for punitive measures against Rwanda for its purported support of the M23 rebel group.
The ongoing conflict in eastern Congo has roots in complex historical and ethnic tensions exacerbated by the quest for control over land and resources. The M23 rebel group, predominantly comprising ethnic Tutsis, emerged from the remnants of earlier conflict, notably involving the Rwandan genocide’s aftermath. The region is characterized by instability owing to the presence of numerous armed groups, which frequently engage in violence against civilians. Rwanda has been accused of conducting military operations in eastern Congo under the guise of security, further complicating the conflict. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with millions displaced and in need of assistance amid ongoing hostilities.
The situation in eastern Congo is marked by severe human rights abuses attributed to both Rwandan military and Congolese forces, contributing to a humanitarian crisis with millions displaced. The complexity of regional tensions and the involvement of armed groups like the M23 complicate efforts for peace and stability. The international community’s response, including potential sanctions and legal accountability, will be critical in addressing these challenges and aiding vulnerable populations in the region.
Original Source: apnews.com
