Amnesty International accuses Congo’s army and the M23 rebel group of potential war crimes due to indiscriminate bombings in civilian areas, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries. There has been a call for an investigation by the International Criminal Court amid escalating violence and humanitarian crises affecting millions in eastern Congo.
Amnesty International, a leading human rights organization, has accused the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 rebel group of conducting indiscriminate bombing in densely populated areas, actions which may amount to war crimes. In a report published on Sunday, it was revealed that between January and July of the previous year, more than 150 attacks were carried out using unguided rockets and various explosives, resulting in the deaths of over 100 civilians and injuring hundreds more.
Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International, emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating that the increased use of explosive weapons represents a troubling new phase in an ongoing conflict characterized by numerous human rights violations. Amnesty has urged the International Criminal Court to initiate an investigation into these incidents as potential war crimes.
The release of this report coincides with intensified fighting between the Congolese army and multiple rebel factions in the eastern region. According to the United Nations refugee agency, the conflict has led to the displacement of over 237,000 individuals since the year began, adding to the over 7 million people already displaced in the country.
The M23 group is one of the numerous armed factions competing for control in the mineral-rich eastern part of Congo, which borders Rwanda. The DRC and the United Nations have accused Rwanda of supporting the M23, a claim that Rwanda denies, although it acknowledged in February the presence of its troops in Congo for security purposes amid concerns over Congolese military buildup near the border.
Recent developments have seen M23 making significant territorial gains in eastern Congo, notably capturing the strategically vital mining town of Masisi in North-Kivu province. Following this, fighting has intensified around Lumbishi, another important location in South-Kivu province over the recent weekend.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has been embroiled in conflict for decades, particularly in its eastern regions, where numerous armed groups, including M23, have emerged. The situation has led to a significant humanitarian crisis, with millions of individuals displaced and widespread human rights abuses reported. The involvement of neighboring countries, particularly Rwanda, complicates the conflict further. The use of explosive weapons in populated areas raises alarms regarding compliance with international humanitarian law and the protection of civilian lives.
In summary, Amnesty International’s accusations against the Congolese army and the M23 rebel group highlight the severe escalation of violence in eastern Congo. The possible war crimes committed through indiscriminate attacks on civilians necessitate rigorous investigation by the International Criminal Court. As the conflict continues, the resulting humanitarian plight underscores the urgent need for a resolution and protection of vulnerable populations.
Original Source: apnews.com
