UN condemns deadly attacks on civilians by the Rwandan-backed M23 armed group
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UN Slams M23 Rebels Over Mass Civilian Killings in Eastern Congo
The UN Human Rights Office has strongly condemned a recent surge in deadly attacks on civilians by the M23 rebel group, backed by the Rwandan military, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The call for justice follows the killing of at least 319 civilians between 9 and 21 July in four villages in North Kivu Province’s Rutshuru territory, despite the ceasefire agreement recently signed in Doha.
According to Jeremy Laurence, spokesperson for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the victims included women and children who were mainly farmers camping in their fields during the planting season. He described the attacks as part of an alarming pattern of violence that has plagued the region, perpetrated not just by M23 but also other armed groups operating in eastern Congo.
“Most of the victims, including at least 48 women and 19 children, were local farmers. We also condemn attacks against civilians by other armed actors,” Laurence stated during a press briefing.
Ceasefire Undermined
The latest killings have occurred even after a ceasefire was recently agreed upon in Doha by parties involved in the conflict. The agreement was meant to ease hostilities and provide a foundation for lasting peace in eastern Congo, but the situation on the ground tells a different story. Rather than calming tensions, violence has continued to escalate in areas heavily controlled by the M23 rebels and other militia groups.
The M23, which has a long history of rebellion in the DRC, has intensified its military campaign in recent months. Backed by elements of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), the rebel group has allegedly committed widespread atrocities, targeting civilians in farming communities and small villages.
Broadscale Violence Across Provinces
The UN Human Rights Office has also reported violence beyond the M23 group, implicating several other armed factions including the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and the Cooperative for Development of the Congo (CODECO). These groups have been responsible for multiple attacks across North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri Provinces throughout July.
The persistent violence has led to further displacement of civilians, increased humanitarian needs, and growing regional instability. Thousands have been forced to flee their homes, seeking shelter in overcrowded camps with limited access to food, water, and healthcare.
UN Calls for Accountability
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has reiterated the global body’s position that attacks on civilians must end immediately. He emphasized the need for accountability, urging that all those responsible for these atrocities face justice. Türk also encouraged all parties involved in the conflict to recommit themselves to the recently signed peace declarations and to engage in the peace process in good faith.
“All attacks against civilians must stop immediately, and all those responsible must be held to account,” said Laurence, conveying Türk’s official statement. “There must be a renewed commitment to international humanitarian law and human rights obligations.”
Ongoing Struggles for the DRC Army
The DRC’s national army continues to face difficulties in curbing the M23 insurgency. The military is engaged in a complex and exhausting battle against multiple rebel groups simultaneously, including the well-armed and externally supported M23 rebels. The Rwandan government has repeatedly denied allegations of backing the M23, but evidence continues to surface suggesting otherwise, deepening tensions between the two nations.
Despite international outcry, the cycle of violence in eastern Congo persists, with civilians paying the highest price. The UN and humanitarian agencies are calling for more international pressure, enhanced protection for vulnerable communities, and a robust peacekeeping response to halt the ongoing atrocities.
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