Human Rights Watch has accused the Rwandan army and M23 rebels of indiscriminately shelling displacement camps around Goma, DR Congo, resulting in significant civilian casualties and displacing over half a million people. The violence has escalated since M23’s advance towards Goma, raising serious concerns about human rights violations and the urgent need for protection of civilians. The current crisis has seen the number of displaced individuals in North Kivu soar to 2.4 million, with an alarming rise in reported sexual violence against women in displacement camps.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has leveled accusations against Rwandan forces and M23 rebels for launching indiscriminate bombardments on displacement camps near Goma, the capital of North Kivu, amidst increasing tensions in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This escalation of violence has reportedly involved the use of artillery and rocket fire on multiple occasions since M23’s advance towards Sake earlier this year, which has significantly impacted civilian populations. The ongoing conflict has resulted in serious human rights violations, including the killing and sexual assault of civilians, as well as obstructions to humanitarian assistance, as outlined in HRW’s recent report published on September 26. Over half a million individuals have been affected, seeking refuge from the escalating clashes. As of January 2024, the Rwandan Defence Force (RDF) and M23 aligned forces have exerted control over key routes leading to Goma, facilitating M23’s territorial expansion, marking their most significant growth since their resurgence in 2021. Notably, on May 3, a shelling incident near Goma tragically resulted in the deaths of seventeen civilians, fifteen of whom were children, attributed to artillery positions held by Rwandan and M23 forces. Clémentine de Montjoye, an Africa researcher with HRW, remarked upon the deteriorating situation: “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.” HRW has conducted on-ground inspections and interviews in the Goma region, examining the impacts of these attacks and compiling evidence to present to both Rwandan and Congolese officials, though no responses have been documented. Currently, the displacement crisis in North Kivu has surged to approximately 2.4 million individuals. The international community expresses heightened concern regarding the application of heavy artillery by both warring parties in violation of humanitarian law. Moreover, a report published by Médecins Sans Frontières noted that between November 2023 and April 2024, over ten percent of young women in Goma’s displaced persons camps reported experiencing rape, with certain camps seeing figures as high as seventeen percent.
The ongoing conflict in eastern DRC has a complex historical context, marked by ethnic tensions, resource competition, and the influx of armed groups into the region. The rise of the M23 movement, which re-emerged in 2021, is believed to have strong links to Rwandan military backing, contributing to the violent struggle for control over mineral-rich territories in North Kivu. This region has long been plagued by armed conflict, leading to massive displacement of populations and numerous human rights violations, exacerbating humanitarian crises as internal and external actors vie for power. With Goma being a key urban center, any escalations in conflict directly threaten civilians who are already subjected to dire living conditions.
The situation in North Kivu remains dire, with reports of severe human rights abuses and an increasing number of displaced populations. Indiscriminate attacks on civilian areas have raised alarms over violations of international laws, necessitating urgent international attention and actions to protect vulnerable communities. Both Rwandan and Congolese forces are urged to uphold their responsibilities towards civilians and halt any support for armed groups that exacerbate the conflict. In light of these developments, continuous monitoring and humanitarian assistance are critical in addressing the ongoing crisis.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
