Faith Nyasuguta
The United Nations has accused Rwanda-backed M23 rebels of committing atrocities in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), including the killing and recruitment of children.
UN human rights chief Volker Türk stated on Tuesday that his office had confirmed cases of summary executions of children by M23 fighters after they captured the city of Bukavu last week. He also noted reports of armed children within the rebel ranks, though he did not provide further details.
This latest development adds to the growing concerns over human rights violations in the region. Earlier this month, the UN Human Rights Council launched a commission to investigate crimes committed by both Congolese government forces and rebel groups since the beginning of the year, including summary executions and sexual violence.
The situation in eastern DRC has worsened rapidly. M23 rebels seized Bukavu, a city of 1.3 million people, just weeks after capturing Goma, located about 101 kilometers (63 miles) to the north. The battles for control have left at least 3,000 people dead and forced thousands to flee their homes.
M23, one of more than 100 armed groups in the region, is believed to be backed by around 4,000 Rwandan troops, according to UN experts. The group claims to be fighting against discrimination targeting Tutsis and Congolese of Rwandan descent. However, critics argue that Rwanda’s involvement is driven by economic and strategic interests, particularly in eastern DRC’s vast mineral resources, which are crucial for global technology industries.
Rwanda, on the other hand, accuses the Congolese government of supporting Hutu fighters responsible for the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The DRC government denies the allegations and has repeatedly called for stronger international action against Rwanda’s interference.
Unlike in 2012, when international pressure forced M23 to withdraw after briefly capturing Goma, analysts suggest that this time the rebels have a larger goal, securing political influence in the country.
The ongoing conflict has displaced more than six million people, making it the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. Attacks on hospitals and aid warehouses have further exacerbated the suffering of civilians caught in the violence.
In response to the escalating crisis, Ugandan troops have reportedly entered the eastern Congolese city of Bunia to support the Congolese army in its fight against armed groups responsible for ongoing violence.
With tensions at an all-time high, the international community is under growing pressure to intervene and find a lasting solution to the conflict that has plagued eastern DRC for decades.
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