Human Rights Watch has accused Rwandan forces and M23 rebels of indiscriminately shelling civilian displacement camps around Goma, resulting in numerous civilian casualties and human rights abuses as the conflict in eastern DRC escalates. The violence has led to a humanitarian crisis affecting over half a million people, with alarming statistics regarding sexual violence reported in displacement camps.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused both the Rwandan army and the M23 armed group of indiscriminately shelling displacement camps and civilian areas near Goma, North Kivu, amidst escalating conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The organization highlights that since the M23 gained control of Sake and advanced towards Goma earlier in the year, there have been at least five instances of artillery and rocket fire targeting these camps, directly impacting civilians. The report released on September 26 details a wide range of abuses committed by both factions, including killings, sexual violence, and the obstruction of vital humanitarian assistance. Over 500,000 displaced persons have been directly affected by the violence, with reports indicating a deterioration of conditions for those seeking refuge in the area. In early January 2024, the Rwandan Defence Force (RDF) alongside M23 made significant territorial gains by cutting off key supply routes to Goma, which is located approximately 25 kilometers away. This marked a notable escalation in M23’s influence in North Kivu since their resurgence began in 2021. On May 3, HRW reported that rocket attacks from Rwandan and M23 positions resulted in the tragic deaths of 17 civilians, including 15 children, in camps located 15 kilometers from Goma. Clémentine de Montjoye, an HRW Africa researcher, emphasized the dire situation facing civilians: “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. Both Rwanda and Congo must cease support for armed groups that violate the laws of war and ensure the protection of civilians.” Throughout their investigation conducted between May and July 2024, HRW representatives visited multiple camps surrounding Goma, including Bulengo, Bushagara, and Mugunga, interviewing 65 individuals, including witnesses and survivors. They also utilized satellite imagery and other documentation to assess the damage inflicted upon civilian areas by such attacks. HRW submitted their findings to the Rwandan and Congolese authorities but received no response. The intensifying violence has further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, with the number of displaced individuals in North Kivu skyrocketing to approximately 2.4 million. The employment of heavy artillery by both Rwandan forces and M23 has raised serious concerns regarding violations of international humanitarian law. Notably, Médecins Sans Frontières reported alarming statistics, indicating that over 10% of young women in Goma’s displacement camps experienced rape between November 2023 and April 2024, with figures reaching as high as 17% in certain camps.
The ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly in North Kivu, has been marked by armed confrontations between various local and foreign armed groups, including the Rwandan military and the M23 rebel group. The situation has significantly worsened since the resurgence of M23 forces in 2021, leading to increased territorial control and violence against civilians. Human Rights Watch has regularly documented human rights abuses in this region, highlighting the urgent humanitarian crisis and the impact on displaced populations. As armed conflicts often escalate rapidly, civilians become the most vulnerable, suffering dire consequences as clashes occur.
The report by Human Rights Watch sheds light on the grave situation for civilians in North Kivu, where ongoing hostilities between Rwandan forces and M23 rebels have resulted in widespread human rights abuses, including indiscriminate shelling of civilian camps. With the numbers of displaced individuals rising, and alarming rates of sexual violence reported, the urgent call for both Rwanda and Congo to halt support for violations of international humanitarian law underscores the dire need for accountability and protection for civilians in conflict-affected areas.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
