Amnesty International Accuses Congo’s Military and M23 of War Crimes

Amnesty International has accused the Congolese army and M23 rebel group of potential war crimes, citing over 150 attacks resulting in the deaths of over 100 civilians in eastern Congo. The organization has called for an investigation by the International Criminal Court, highlighting the worsening conflict and its humanitarian implications. More than 237,000 people have been displaced this year amid intensified fighting and territorial advances by M23.

Amnesty International has accused the Congolese army and the M23 rebel group of committing actions likely to be classified as war crimes, due to their bombing of densely populated areas. In a report released on Sunday, the organization stated that both parties utilized unguided rockets and explosives in over 150 strikes from January to July of the previous year. These attacks resulted in the death of more than 100 civilians, with hundreds more injured.

The organization has urged the International Criminal Court to initiate an investigation into these incidents. Agnès Callamard, the Secretary General of Amnesty International, emphasized the troubling escalation of explosive weapons usage in the ongoing conflict, which has already seen severe human rights violations. The report arrives amid heightened combat between the Congolese army and various rebel factions in the eastern region of the country.

Since the start of this year, more than 237,000 individuals have been displaced due to ongoing fighting, as reported by the United Nations refugee agency. The M23 rebel group, one of roughly 100 armed factions in eastern Congo, has been fighting to control resource-rich territories bordering Rwanda, contributing to one of the largest humanitarian crises globally with over 7 million displaced people.

The Congolese government, along with the United Nations, has accused Rwanda of providing support to the M23 group. Although Rwanda has denied these claims, it did acknowledge in February that its troops and missile systems are present in eastern Congo to ensure its own security, citing concerns over a buildup of Congolese forces along the border. Reports from U.N. experts estimate that up to 4,000 Rwandan troops are currently operating within Congo.

Recently, M23 has made notable territorial gains, including the capture of the strategic mining town of Masisi in North-Kivu province. Intensified fighting has also been reported around Lumbishi, a crucial town in South-Kivu province over the recent weekend.

The article addresses the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, primarily focusing on the hostilities between the Congolese army and the M23 rebel group. This conflict has resulted in significant humanitarian crises, with millions displaced and accusations of war crimes against both military factions. The report by Amnesty International sheds light on recent violent escalations, amplifying calls for international scrutiny and intervention.

In summary, the report from Amnesty International highlights serious allegations regarding the conduct of the Congolese army and the M23 rebel group in eastern Congo, suggesting they may have engaged in war crimes. The situation remains critical, as the humanitarian toll continues to escalate with ongoing battles and mass displacements of civilians. International attention is crucial to address the violations of human rights in this protracted conflict.

Original Source: apnews.com