UN: Over 300 civilians killed by Rwanda-backed rebels in Congo
At least 319 civilians have been killed in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo by M23 rebels backed by Rwandan forces, the Associated Press reported on 6th August, referring to a new UN report.
Where the organization had previously reported 162 casualties, its human rights office (OHCHR) said it had received first-hand accounts indicating a much higher figure.
Established in 2012, M23 is a Congolese rebel paramilitary group that operates mainly in the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu, which border Uganda and Rwanda. It is the principal member of the Congo River Alliance, a coalition of rebel groups in eastern DRC.
Most of the victims were local farmers camping in fields during the planting season. 48 women and 19 children were killed.
The killings, which took place between 9th and 21st July in the Rutshuru territory of North Kivu province, mark one of the deadliest escalations since the M23 insurgency resumed in 2022, the Associated Press reported on 6th August.
UN human rights chief Volker Türk cited eyewitness accounts confirming that four villages were targeted during the attacks. The UN accuses the M23 group of being supported by members of the Rwandan Defence Force, an allegation that Rwanda has denied in the past.
The violence casts a shadow over recent peace efforts led by Qatar. On 19th July, Congolese authorities and rebel representatives signed a declaration of principles in Doha, committing to a future agreement aimed at restoring state authority in eastern territories and ensuring the protection and return of millions of displaced civilians. The two parties were expected to reach a full peace deal by 18th August.
Despite this, the latest attacks took place in the aftermath of the declaration signing, raising serious concerns about the rebels’ commitment to the peace process. Congo’s eastern, mineral-rich provinces remain volatile, with more than 100 active armed groups in the region.
“I am appalled by the attacks on civilians by the M23 and other armed groups,” Türk said, calling for an immediate end to attacks on civilians and a renewed focus on protection.
Growing insecurity in Congo is fuelling “one of the world’s most acute humanitarian crises”, according to the UN. Over 7.8 million people are now internally displaced in eastern DRC and a further 28 million are facing food insecurity. Amid renewed violence and tense relations between Rwanda and Congo, efforts to mediate are crucial.
The Associated Press, Maghrebi
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