The UN human rights chief, Volker Türk, levelled serious allegations against Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in eastern Congo, accusing them of heinous acts such as killing children and assaulting medical facilities and warehouses. In a stark statement, he noted confirmed incidents of summary executions of children following M23’s takeover of Bukavu, emphasising the alarming trend of child soldiers wielding firearms among these factions.
Reports indicate that M23 has recently captured Bukavu, a city home to 1.3 million, after previously taking Goma. The recent escalation has led to the deaths of at least 3,000 individuals and has left thousands displaced. Furthermore, over 20 bodies were found in Bukavu amidst escalating violence, highlighting the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
The M23 stands out among the myriad of armed groups competing for control of Congo’s valuable mineral resources, vital for global technology. This rebel group is believed to be assisted by approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops, fuelling tensions between the nations, with accusations flying both ways regarding support for extremist factions.
In a complex web of allegations, Rwanda asserts that Congo is recruiting Hutu fighters linked to the 1994 genocide. Meanwhile, M23 presents itself as a protector of Tutsis and Rwandan Congolese, claiming to seek political change in a nation long embroiled in conflict. Analysts warn that unlike previous interventions, this time the rebels are aiming not for mere dominance in military terms but for significant political influence.
The ongoing conflict has wrought extensive suffering, displacing over six million people in the region and rendering it one of the gravest humanitarian crises globally, with nowhere near a resolution in sight. The UN Human Rights Council is exploring these grave violations, promising an investigation into a series of atrocities including rapes and killings reminiscent of summary executions by both the Congolese forces and the rebels.
The UN human rights chief accused M23 rebels of killing children and attacking humanitarian facilities in eastern Congo. M23 captured Bukavu and Goma, resulting in thousands of casualties and displacements. The conflict, fuelled by Rwandan support, raises concerns over child recruitment and human rights violations, with an ongoing investigation into these atrocities by the UN Human Rights Council.
The unrest in eastern Congo, marked by the brutal actions of M23 rebels, has reached alarming levels, with children’s lives tragically lost and families displaced amid violence. With the assistance of Rwandan troops, M23’s ambitions appear to extend beyond military victories, suggesting aspirations for political power in the volatile region. As the world watches, humanitarian agencies are grappling with an unfolding crisis, demanding urgent intervention and accountability for these barbaric acts.
Original Source: triblive.com
