The UN Human Rights Chief has raised alarms over the escalating violence in eastern DR Congo due to the M23 offensive. Nearly 3,000 people were killed since January, with concerns over rampant human rights violations, including sexual violence. The ongoing conflict has led to mass displacement, calls for humanitarian access, and condemnation of external military support, notably from Rwanda. The situation remains dire and requires international intervention to prevent further deterioration.
UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk has expressed deep concerns regarding the escalating violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), exacerbated by the Rwanda-backed M23 offensive. In a statement to the Human Rights Council, he cautioned that without intervention, the worst may yet unfold not only for the DRC but also for surrounding regions. Reports indicate that since January 26, nearly 3,000 individuals have been killed, while thousands more have suffered injuries due to M23 attacks in populated areas.
Conflict in eastern DRC, particularly in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, has forced hundreds of thousands to flee. Intensified fighting commenced in late January when M23 fighters captured strategic territories, including near Goma. A draft resolution proposed during the Human Rights Council’s Special Session condemned Rwanda’s military support for M23 and called for both Rwanda and M23 to cease their advance and allow humanitarian access.
During the emergency session, Mr. Türk noted the bombing of two hospitals in Goma, resulting in casualties among patients, including women and children. He also reported a mass prison break leading to the rape and murder of numerous female inmates. He expressed horror at the escalating sexual violence, a longstanding issue in the conflict, confirming that UN personnel are investigating multiple allegations of sexual abuse.
Bintou Keita, Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the DRC, echoed the UN rights chief’s concerns, highlighting the dire situation in Goma, where dead bodies remain on the streets. She warned about the risks of cholera resurgence and the impact of violence on children’s education and health services. Ms. Keita emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian assistance in the region due to medical personnel suffering from power outages and fuel shortages.
In response to the crisis, DRC Minister of Communications Patrick Muyaya criticized external military and financial support for armed groups operating in the region, specifically citing Rwanda’s involvement. He argued that Rwanda’s actions have perpetuated violence linked to the exploitation of DRC’s mineral resources. Conversely, Rwanda’s UN Ambassador refuted these claims, suggesting an imminent large-scale attack from a coalition supported by Kinshasa.
Mr. Türk highlighted the necessity of international cooperation to address the ongoing violence, underscoring the suffering of the eastern DRC population. He noted that many products used globally are sourced from minerals in the region, suggesting a collective complicity in the conflict’s perpetuation.
The ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly involving the M23 armed group, has a deep-rooted history and is intertwined with various socio-political and economic factors. The region is afflicted by numerous armed groups, and violence has persisted for decades. The international community has faced criticism for its inadequate response to the humanitarian crisis, with high numbers of casualties and displacements due to warfare and human rights violations. The involvement of neighboring countries, such as Rwanda, adds a layer of complexity to the situation, influencing both local and international efforts to restore stability and justice.
The unrest in eastern DRC, fueled by the M23 offensive and external military backing, has led to a severe humanitarian crisis marked by widespread violence and human rights abuses. UN officials have warned that the situation is deteriorating rapidly, necessitating immediate international action. Addressing the underlying issues, including the exploitation of the region’s natural resources and the ongoing violence against civilians, remains critical to resolving the conflict and preventing further escalation.
Original Source: news.un.org
