The U.S. Ambassador to the DRC, Lucy Tamlyn, condemned M23 rebels for abducting patients from hospitals in Goma, stating they must be held accountable for human rights violations. The rebels denied these claims, alleging manipulation against their image. The conflict has intensified since December, leading to significant displacement and accusations of Rwandan support to M23, which Rwanda denies.
Lucy Tamlyn, the U.S. Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, strongly condemned the actions of the M23 rebels, particularly their recent abduction of patients from hospitals in Goma. She emphasized that these heinous acts demonstrate a blatant disregard for peace and a lack of respect for the local population. Tamlyn stated, “There is no excuse for these heinous acts,” underscoring the urgency of accountability for such violations.
The United Nations reported that M23 rebels abducted over 130 sick and injured individuals from hospitals, misleadingly claiming to be Congolese army soldiers or members of a pro-government militia. In response, the M23 group denied these allegations, alleging that they are part of a deliberate manipulation to discredit their movement. However, Tamlyn rebutted their claims, remarking that the rebels’ denials lack credibility.
Tamlyn reiterated the United States’ position that the M23 must be held accountable for its actions and called for all parties to agree on an immediate ceasefire while respecting Congo’s sovereignty. The M23 has intensified its offensive in eastern Congo since December, capturing key provincial capitals such as Goma and Bukavu. Following the fall of Bukavu, the provincial administration has temporarily moved to Uvira.
According to the United Nations, the ongoing conflict has led to mass displacements of civilians into surrounding areas and neighboring countries. There are allegations that neighboring Rwanda supports the M23 group, though Rwanda denies such claims. The M23 contends it defends the minority Congolese Tutsis, claiming they face discrimination due to their ethnic ties to Rwanda’s Tutsi community. Recently, Germany joined the U.S. and U.K. in imposing financial sanctions against Rwanda concerning the conflict.
The situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo remains dire, with the M23 rebels exacerbating the conflict through violent actions such as hospital kidnappings. U.S. Ambassador Lucy Tamlyn’s call for accountability underscores international concern regarding human rights violations. The complexities of the conflict, including regional dynamics and the plight of displaced citizens, highlight the necessity for a ceasefire and respect for the sovereignty of the DRC.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
