UN Condemns Rwanda’s Support for Rebels Amid Escalating Violence in Congo

The UN Human Rights Council condemned Rwanda’s military support for M23 rebels in eastern Congo and initiated a probe into human rights violations following escalating violence that claimed approximately 3,000 lives since late January. A consensus resolution was adopted to investigate and address the humanitarian crisis.

The United Nations Human Rights Council has condemned Rwanda’s backing of rebel forces in eastern Congo and has mandated a team of experts to investigate human rights violations in the region. This decision, reached by consensus at an urgent session, follows a sharp increase in violence that has resulted in approximately 3,000 deaths and numerous injuries since late January, particularly after the M23 rebels seized control of the strategic city of Goma.

The area in question is rich in minerals essential for global technology, such as mobile phone manufacturing. The Council’s resolution explicitly denounces the Rwandan defense forces’ military support of the M23 rebellion, which has exacerbated civilian casualties, displacement, and trauma among the local population. The Council has urged both M23 and Rwandan forces to cease human rights violations and facilitate humanitarian aid access.

As part of its response, the U.N. intends to form an independent inquiry commission comprising three international law experts to investigate the reported rights violations and provide findings to the Council. U.N. officials estimate that approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops are aiding the M23 rebels in this area, which is plagued by over 100 armed groups.

U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has called for the rebels to disarm and engage in mediation efforts. U.N. human rights chief Volker Türk reported a significant rise in violence with potential figures of casualties being much higher than documented. He warned that if the violence continues unchecked, the situation could deteriorate further for citizens within the DRC and neighboring regions.

The M23 rebels have attempted to gain public support through recent community rallies, claiming they would provide safety under their rule. Meanwhile, Patrick Muyaya Katembwe, the Congolese communications minister, urged the council to hold Rwanda accountable for alleged war crimes linked to forced displacements and territorial ambitions. Conversely, Rwanda’s Ambassador to U.N. institutions has expressed concerns about armed groups in Congo that threaten Rwandan security and propagate a genocidal ideology.

In summary, the U.N. Human Rights Council’s unanimous resolution against Rwanda’s support for M23 rebels highlights the urgent need for international intervention to mitigate escalating violence in eastern Congo. The establishment of a commission to investigate human rights abuses underscores the seriousness of the human rights crisis. Both local and international calls for accountability may foster a diplomatic approach to resolving this ongoing conflict.

Original Source: apnews.com