Amnesty International has accused Congo’s army and M23 rebels of conducting over 150 attacks that likely constitute war crimes, resulting in civilian casualties and widespread displacement. The report calls for an investigation by the International Criminal Court amidst a growing conflict in eastern Congo, which has already displaced over 237,000 individuals this year. Escalation of violence and accusations against Rwanda further complicate the situation.
Amnesty International has accused the Congolese army and the M23 rebel group of carrying out numerous attacks that may amount to war crimes. According to a report released by the rights organization, both parties launched over 150 attacks using unguided rockets in densely populated regions of eastern Congo from January to July last year, resulting in more than 100 civilian fatalities and hundreds of injuries. Amnesty International has urged the International Criminal Court to conduct an investigation into these actions.
Agnès Callamard, the Secretary General of Amnesty International, noted that the increased utilization of explosive weapons represents a troubling escalation in an ongoing conflict that has persisted for three decades and is already marked by significant human rights and humanitarian law violations. The report arrives amidst escalating hostilities between governmental forces and various rebel groups in the eastern region of the nation.
The United Nations refugee agency reported that over 237,000 individuals have been displaced due to the ongoing conflict since the beginning of the current year. M23 is one of the many armed factions competing for control over mineral-rich areas in eastern Congo, which has been a focal point in a prolonged crisis, leading to the dislocation of more than 7 million people within the region.
Accusations from both the Congolese government and the United Nations have suggested that the Rwandan government supports the M23 group, a claim which Rwanda refutes. However, in February, Rwandan officials acknowledged the presence of their troops and missile installations in eastern Congo, claiming they were necessary for national security due to increased Congolese military activity near the border. U.N. experts believe there are up to 4,000 Rwandan troops operating within Congolese territory.
Recently, M23 has made significant territorial gains in eastern Congo, including the seizure of the strategically important mining town of Masisi in North-Kivu province earlier this month. Fighting has also intensified around another crucial location, Lumbishi, in the neighboring South-Kivu province over the past weekend.
The escalation of violence in eastern Congo has been notable, particularly involving the Congolese army and various rebel factions such as M23. This region, abundant in valuable minerals, has long been embroiled in conflict characterized by human rights abuses and widespread displacement. The involvement of foreign military forces, particularly from Rwanda, has further complicated the situation, contributing to ongoing humanitarian crises affecting millions.
Amnesty International’s report sheds light on the potential war crimes committed by both the Congolese army and the M23 rebel group through their attacks on civilians. With an alarming increase in violence, periodic appeals for international investigations are crucial to address the continuing humanitarian crisis and support the displaced population. The allegations of foreign influence further require scrutiny to understand fully the complexities of the conflict.
Original Source: apnews.com
