Rwandan Forces and M23 Rebels Accused of Indiscriminate Shelling of Civilians in DR Congo

Human Rights Watch has accused the Rwandan army and M23 rebels of indiscriminately shelling civilian displacement camps near Goma, DRC, resulting in significant casualties and human rights violations. The violence has displaced over 2.4 million individuals, with reports of severe abuses including murder and sexual violence. HRW calls for immediate action from both Rwandan and Congolese authorities to protect civilians and ensure adherence to international humanitarian law.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has raised alarming concerns regarding the conduct of the Rwandan army and the M23 rebel group, claiming that both entities have engaged in indiscriminate shelling of civilian displacement camps near Goma, the capital of North Kivu, amidst escalating violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The organization reports that since M23’s takeover of Sake and its advance towards Goma earlier this year, there have been at least five instances of artillery and rocket attacks targeting both camps and densely inhabited areas surrounding the city. These violent clashes have resulted in egregious abuses perpetrated against civilians, including murder, sexual violence, and barriers to humanitarian assistance, as detailed in an HRW report released on September 26. Currently, more than half a million displaced individuals are affected by the violence that has intensified since January 2024, when the Rwandan Defense Force and M23 began to consolidate control in the region, effectively severing crucial supply routes to Goma, situated merely 25 kilometers away. Following their renewed presence in the area since 2021, the M23—supported by Rwanda—has achieved unprecedented territorial gains in North Kivu. On May 3, an incident was reported where between 10 and 11 a.m., at least three rockets struck camps located 15 kilometers west of Goma, with investigations indicating that the fire originated from positions controlled by the Rwandan army and M23 to the northwest of Sake. This attack tragically claimed the lives of seventeen civilians, among whom fifteen were children. Clémentine de Montjoye, an Africa researcher at HRW, articulated the plight of the civilian population, noting, “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 urged both nations to “cease support for armed groups that violate the laws of war and ensure the protection of civilians.” In a thorough investigation conducted between May and July 2024, HRW researchers visited camps in the vicinity of Goma, such as Bulengo, Bushagara, and Mugunga. They conducted interviews with sixty-five individuals including survivors and witnesses while analyzing satellite imagery and other media to assess the destruction inflicted upon civilian locales. Despite submitting their findings to both the Rwandan and Congolese authorities, HRW received no acknowledgment or response. As violence continues to escalate, the total number of displaced individuals in North Kivu has surged to approximately 2.4 million. The deployment of heavy artillery by the Rwandan military and M23 rebels is indicative of widespread attacks on civilian areas, raising significant concerns surrounding breaches of international humanitarian law. Moreover, a report from Médecins Sans Frontières in August indicated that over ten percent of young women in Goma’s displacement camps reported being raped between November 2023 and April 2024, with figures reaching as high as seventeen percent in certain camps.

The situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has remained tense due to the ongoing conflict involving the M23 armed group, which has been accused of numerous human rights violations since its resurgence in 2021. The conflict has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced from their homes and in desperate need of assistance. Goma, being a major city in North Kivu, has been a focal point for both military operations and the resultant humanitarian fallout. The involvement of the Rwandan army alongside M23 has drawn international scrutiny, particularly from human rights organizations, calling for accountability and adherence to international law amidst allegations of war crimes.

The accusations by Human Rights Watch against the Rwandan army and M23 rebels highlight a distressing pattern of violence against civilians amidst ongoing conflict in Eastern DRC. The indiscriminate shelling of displacement camps has raised alarms about potential violations of international humanitarian principles. With the number of displaced individuals escalating and numerous reported abuses, it is imperative for both Rwandan and Congolese authorities to act decisively to protect civilians and address the humanitarian disaster unfolding in the region. The need for international oversight and intervention is critical to restore security and provide indispensable aid to affected populations.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr