Human Rights Watch Accuses Rwandan Forces and M23 Rebels of Shelling Civilians in DR Congo

Human Rights Watch has accused Rwandan forces and M23 rebels of indiscriminately shelling civilian displacement camps around Goma, with at least five reported incidents of artillery fire. The report notes serious human rights violations, including killings and rapes of civilians, as more than half a million displaced persons face dire conditions amidst escalating violence, raising concerns about breaches of international humanitarian law.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has attributed serious accusations against both the Rwandan army and the M23 armed group, claiming they have engaged in “indiscriminately bombing” displacement camps surrounding Goma, in the North Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The situation has intensified as hostilities in eastern DRC escalate. Following M23’s recent capture of Sake, which is in proximity to Goma, there have been at least five documented incidents of artillery and rocket fire impacting both refugee camps and densely populated urban areas around the city. The ongoing violence has led to grave human rights violations perpetrated by both parties involved, which include the killing and assault of civilians, alongside the obstruction of humanitarian assistance. HRW’s report, released on September 26, highlights that over 500,000 displaced individuals are currently affected by these brutal conditions. Since advancements by the Rwandan Defence Force (RDF) and M23 towards Sake commenced in January 2024, critical supply routes to Goma have been compromised, leading to an expansion of M23’s territorial control in North Kivu that represents its most significant growth since their resurgence in 2021. An alarming incident on May 3, which occurred between 10 and 11 AM, saw three rockets strike camps located 15 kilometers west of Goma, originating from areas held by both the Rwandan army and M23. This attack resulted in the tragic death of 17 civilians, including 15 children. Clémentine de Montjoye, an Africa researcher with HRW, remarked, “As fighting between Rwandan and Congolese forces with their allied militias edges closer to Goma, civilians and displaced populations are increasingly trapped in the crossfire and deprived of vital aid.” She emphasized the urgent necessity for both Rwanda and the DRC to halt any support for armed factions that breach the laws of warfare and to safeguard civilian lives. HRW has conducted extensive field research between May and July 2024, engaging with survivors and witnesses at various camps around Goma, such as Bulengo, Bushagara, and Mugunga. The organization analyzed satellite imagery, photographs, and videos to assess the impact of the attacks on civilian structures. Despite submitting detailed findings to Rwandan and Congolese authorities, HRW did not receive any correspondence in reply. The violence is contributing to a growing humanitarian crisis, with approximately 2.4 million displaced individuals in North Kivu. The apparent use of heavy artillery by Rwandan military forces and M23 rebels raises significant concerns regarding breaches of international humanitarian law. Furthermore, a report from Médecins Sans Frontières in August indicated that over 10% of young women in Goma’s displacement camps reported experiencing rape from November 2023 to April 2024, with this figure escalating to 17% in certain camps.

The ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, particularly in North Kivu, has been characterized by the resurgence of the M23 armed group and their alleged collaboration with Rwandan military forces. Both sides have faced serious accusations regarding their conduct in the conflict, especially concerning the targeting of civilian populations and hindrances to humanitarian aid. The region has a long-standing history of violence and instability, particularly affecting refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), which has compelled numerous organizations, including Human Rights Watch, to investigate and report on these violations of human rights and international humanitarian standards. As the violence continues to escalate, the need for accountability and protection for civilians remains paramount.

The accusations put forth by Human Rights Watch against the Rwandan army and M23 rebels on their bombardment of civilian areas near Goma underscore the urgency of addressing human rights violations amidst the conflict in eastern DRC. The suffering of civilians, particularly the displaced, and the alarming rise in reported cases of sexual violence among vulnerable populations highlight the critical need for immediate intervention to ensure the protection of human rights and compliance with international humanitarian law. Both Rwandan and Congolese authorities must take responsibility to halt the support of armed groups and prioritize civilian safety.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr