In a grave statement, the UN human rights chief has condemned Rwanda-backed rebels seizing control of a second major city in eastern Congo, accusing them of heinous acts against children and humanitarian targets. Volker Türk reported confirmed incidents of children being executed by M23 and has highlighted allegations of child soldiers being armed amidst the turmoil in Bukavu, where the dire humanitarian situation is worsening.
The M23 rebels, who’ve recently captured Bukavu, a bustling city of 1.3 million, previously took Goma, leading to bloody confrontations that reportedly left at least 3,000 dead. The waves of violence have forced countless families from their homes, as the region teeters on the brink of catastrophe amidst its vast mineral wealth, a source of global technological lifelines.
The M23 is part of over a hundred armed factions competing for control over eastern Congo’s resources. Supported by more than 4,000 Rwandan troops according to UN experts, the rebels state their intent is to protect Tutsis from discrimination while critics suggest that this is merely a façade for Rwanda’s endeavor to influence Eastern Congo politically. The UN Human Rights Council has launched a thorough investigation of ongoing atrocities, as fear and desperation grips millions.
In stark contrast to their earlier withdrawal in 2012 after international pressure, the M23 now appears set on acquiring political power within Congo, with the ongoing violence creating a humanitarian crisis that has displaced over six million people. The echoes of long-standing conflict offer little hope for peace, whilst a fragile balance of power hangs precariously in the balance.
The UN human rights chief has accused Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in eastern Congo of executing children and attacking humanitarian facilities. Bukavu has fallen to M23, following Goma, with thousands killed in recent fighting. Supported by Rwandan troops, the rebels claim to protect Tutsis while seeking political power, amidst a humanitarian crisis affecting millions.
The UN human rights chief’s accusations against Rwanda-backed rebels underscore a chilling crisis in eastern Congo, with children caught in the crossfire of conflict and humanitarian neglect. The ongoing violence has already claimed thousands of lives, displacing millions, while the international community grapples with the complexities of intervention amidst overwhelming suffering. As the M23 aims for political influence, the future for Congo remains uncertain and fraught with peril.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
