Human Rights Watch has accused Rwandan forces and the M23 rebel group of indiscriminately shelling civilian camps in North Kivu, DRC, resulting in multiple civilian casualties, including children. The conflict has escalated as M23 and Rwandan forces have advanced towards key areas, affecting nearly 2.4 million displaced persons. HRW calls for urgent measures to protect civilians and halt violations of humanitarian law.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has raised serious allegations against the Rwandan army and the M23 rebel group, accusing them of engaging in indiscriminate shelling of civilian displacement camps surrounding Goma, the capital of North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This comes as the region experiences a significant escalation in violence, with multiple artillery and rocket attacks reported in densely populated areas since H23’s advance. A recent HRW report, published on September 26, detailed that these attacks, which have occurred on at least five separate occasions, have resulted in numerous civilian casualties, including both deaths and sexual violence against women. The situation intensified earlier this year when M23, supported by Rwandan forces, captured the strategic town of Sake, thereby obstructing crucial supply routes to Goma. This military advancement has brought approximately 2.4 million displaced individuals into further peril, particularly as the fighting continues without respite. Notably, on May 3, at least three rockets were fired upon camps situated approximately 15 kilometers west of Goma, resulting in the tragic death of 17 civilians, including 15 children. Clémentine de Montjoye, an Africa researcher with HRW, emphasized the dire consequences of the ongoing conflict, stating, “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.” The report calls for an immediate cessation of support for armed groups that breach the laws of warfare and demands an urgent commitment to safeguard civilians. HRW has thoroughly investigated these cases, visiting numerous camps in the region, interviewing survivors, and reviewing satellite imagery and other evidence of the assaults. Despite submitting their findings to both the Rwandan and Congolese governments, they have yet to receive any responses. Furthermore, Médecins Sans Frontières reported alarming rates of sexual violence in Goma displacement camps, highlighting that between November 2023 and April 2024, more than 10% of young women were raped, with figures reaching 17% in certain camps.
The ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly in North Kivu, has persisted for decades, involving various armed groups and regional powers. The M23 rebel group, which re-emerged in 2021, has been accused of receiving support from Rwanda, leading to increased violence and instability in the region. Human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, have documented abuses by both state and non-state actors, particularly the targeting of civilians amidst military confrontations. The humanitarian crisis has resulted in millions of displaced individuals seeking refuge from the violence, significantly complicating the provision of aid and assistance to those in suffering.
The allegations put forth by Human Rights Watch reveal a disturbing pattern of violence against civilians in the North Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, implicating both the Rwandan army and M23 rebels. The indiscriminate shelling of displacement camps, leading to the tragic loss of innocent lives, coupled with widespread sexual violence, underscores the urgent need for accountability and protection for vulnerable populations caught in the line of fire. As the humanitarian situation worsens, it is imperative that both Rwandan and Congolese authorities take immediate action to uphold international humanitarian law and prioritize the safety and well-being of civilians.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
