U.S. diplomat Lucy Tamlyn has condemned M23 rebels for kidnapping patients in Goma, calling for accountability. The M23 denies these reports, which have led to increased international scrutiny and sanctions against Rwanda. The ongoing conflict has displaced thousands and raised serious humanitarian concerns.
Lucy Tamlyn, the U.S. ambassador to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has condemned the recent actions of the M23 rebels, specifically their abduction of patients from hospitals in eastern Goma. She stated that these actions illustrate a profound disregard for peace in the region and a contempt for its citizens. “There is no excuse for these heinous acts,” she declared in a recent post on social media.
The abductions, which reportedly involved over 130 sick and injured individuals, were allegedly conducted by the M23 under the guise of being Congolese army soldiers or members of a pro-government militia called Wazalendo. In response to the UN’s reporting, the M23 rebels have denied the allegations, asserting that it is a deliberate move to tarnish their reputation.
Tamlyn rebuffed the M23’s denials, emphasizing that the group must face accountability for its human rights violations. She reiterated that a ceasefire must be agreed upon by all parties involved to ensure respect for the sovereignty of the Congo. Since December last year, the M23 has intensified its military operations, having captured key provincial capitals including Goma and Bukavu.
The conflict has inflicted chaos, displacing thousands of citizens into surrounding areas and neighboring nations, as noted by the UN. Accusations have surfaced regarding Rwanda’s support for the M23, although Rwanda has consistently denied these claims. The M23 positions itself as a defender of minority Congolese Tutsis, who they assert face discrimination due to their ethnic ties with Rwanda’s Tutsi community. Recently, Germany has joined the United States and the United Kingdom in imposing financial sanctions against Rwanda concerning the ongoing conflict.
In summary, the U.S. diplomat Lucy Tamlyn has denounced the M23 rebels for their reprehensible actions, which include the abduction of hospital patients, reinforcing the necessity for accountability and an immediate ceasefire. The ongoing conflict has had severe humanitarian repercussions, displacing thousands and raising accusations against Rwanda for support of the rebel faction. The international community’s response continues to evolve as the situation develops.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
