In a harrowing statement from Dakar, Senegal, the U.N. human rights chief Volker Türk condemned Rwanda-backed M23 rebels for gruesome acts in eastern Congo, describing incidents involving the killing of children and assaults on hospitals and humanitarian aid warehouses. Türk’s office confirmed the summary execution of children amidst the chaos following the rebels’ recent capture of Bukavu, the region’s bustling city of over 1.3 million inhabitants.
The M23 rebels, who also took Goma last month, which is located 101 kilometres to the north, are part of a tumultuous landscape within eastern Congo, characterised by more than 100 armed factions vying for control over the area’s rich mineral resources. Despite claiming to protect the Tutsi and Congolese of Rwandan descent from discrimination, critics view M23’s motives as a thin veil for Rwanda’s ulterior agenda in the region.
This ongoing turmoil has displaced over six million individuals, establishing what is now the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. As international observers, including the U.K., urge Rwanda to withdraw its forces, the instability continues to mount, forcing foreign entities like Uganda to send troops to assist the Congolese army against rampant ethnic violence in places like Bunia.
With the U.N. Human Rights Council launching an investigation into the atrocities committed by both the rebels and Congolese government forces, the weaponisation of children in these conflicts remains an anguishing concern. Meanwhile, the rebel-appointed governor has announced the reopening of crucial transport routes, which stand as the last hope for safe passage between cities engulfed in conflict.
The U.N. human rights chief has accused Rwanda-backed M23 rebels of horrific actions in eastern Congo, including the execution of children and attacks on hospitals. The rebels, having seized Bukavu and Goma, claim to protect minority Tutsis while critics argue it masks Rwanda’s intentions. Displacement numbers exceed six million as international pressure mounts for a resolution to the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
The situation in eastern Congo has escalated dramatically, with M23 rebels supported by Rwanda committing grave human rights violations. The U.N.’s investigation will scrutinise the appalling conditions arising from this brutal conflict, revealing a cycle of violence that has displaced millions. As calls for accountability and stability rise, the region remains caught in a deadly web of power struggles.
Original Source: www.pbs.org
