Human Rights Watch has accused the Rwandan army and M23 rebels of indiscriminately shelling civilian displacement camps near Goma in eastern DRC. The violence has led to significant casualties and has severely impacted over half a million displaced individuals. Recent reports confirm alarming human rights violations, including killings and sexual assaults in camps, prompting calls for urgent action from authorities to protect civilians and ensure adherence to international law.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has raised serious allegations against the Rwandan army and M23 armed group, accusing them of “indiscriminately bombing” displacement camps located near Goma, the capital of North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Recently intensified unrest in eastern DRC has raised alarming humanitarian concerns, as reports indicate that the areas surrounding Goma have been subjected to artillery and rocket fire on multiple occasions since M23 captured Sake and advanced closer to Goma earlier this year. HRW reported that this violence has resulted in the killing of civilians and the obstruction of humanitarian assistance, affecting over half a million displaced individuals currently seeking refuge in the region. As of January 2024, the Rwandan Defence Force (RDF) and M23 have made substantial territorial gains, exerting increased control in North Kivu and cutting off critical supply routes to Goma, which lies just 25 kilometers away. According to the organization, M23 has utilized heavy artillery attacks to target densely populated civilian areas, causing significant casualties. A notable incident occurred on May 3, when at least three rockets struck camps situated 15 kilometers west of Goma, resulting in the tragic deaths of seventeen civilians, including fifteen children. HRW’s Africa researcher, Clémentine de Montjoye, stated, “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.” Between May and July 2024, HRW conducted field research across several camps in the vicinity of Goma, interviewing 65 individuals who shared their experiences as survivors or witnesses of these attacks. The organization employed satellite imagery and video evidence to assess the extent of the destruction inflicted on civilian habitats. In their attempts to bring attention to these violations, HRW submitted findings to both the Rwandan and Congolese authorities yet received no response. Amidst escalating violence, the number of displaced persons in North Kivu has surged to approximately 2.4 million. The deployment of heavy artillery by the Rwandan military and M23 rebels raises critical questions regarding adherence to international humanitarian law. Furthermore, Médecins Sans Frontières reported disturbing statistics showing that over 10% of young women in Goma’s displacement camps experienced sexual violence between November 2023 and April 2024, with figures soaring to 17% in certain camps.
The situation in eastern DRC has long been marred by conflict and humanitarian crises, primarily fueled by regional tensions involving Rwanda and various armed groups, including the M23. The conflict has led to severe human rights violations and a widespread displacement crisis, with millions seeking safety in overcrowded camps. The M23 group’s resurgence since 2021, coupled with alleged Rwandan military support, has exacerbated the volatility of the region, prompting urgent calls for international intervention and accountability for war crimes. Human Rights Watch serves as a critical watchdog in documenting and reporting these violations, urging both national and international bodies to uphold humanitarian laws and protect civilians in conflict zones. The plight of displaced individuals, particularly women facing sexual violence in camps, reflects a dire need for humanitarian assistance and protection measures, as ongoing violence continues to undermine stability in the DRC.
The ongoing allegations against Rwandan forces and M23 rebels highlight the severe humanitarian crisis unfolding in eastern DRC, particularly around Goma. With indiscriminate attacks leading to loss of civilian life and escalating numbers of displaced persons, it is imperative for national and international authorities to prioritize the protection of vulnerable populations and ensure compliance with international humanitarian standards. The documented abuses and lack of accountability necessitate urgent attention to this crisis to prevent further deterioration of the situation and protect the rights of those affected.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
