The situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo is alarming, particularly in the east of the country where the Rwandan-backed armed group M23 has aggravated the humanitarian crisis since the end of 2022. Human Rights Watch has denounced rapes, executions illegal acts and other war crimes perpetrated by M23 rebels, as well as bombardments that damaged infrastructure and endangered civilians.
Rwanda, which has deployed troops to directly support the M23 in its violent actions, as well as the leaders of the armed group, should be added to the list of UN Security Council sanctions targets. Congolese authorities also have an obligation to prosecute M23 commanders for crimes committed.
These abuses are occurring in the context of a worsening humanitarian crisis. Two years of state of siege in the region, as well as the collaboration of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) with several armed groups contributed to the crisis. Warring groups are increasingly appealing to ethnic loyalties, putting civilians in remote areas of North Kivu province at heightened risk.
In this situation, efforts to establish peace come up against many obstacles. Persistent insecurity is hampering economic and social development, while political tensions, particularly related to the upcoming general elections, have increased pressure in the country.
Despite this, local initiatives are being put in place to ensure justice and a better future. The fight against child labor is one of the examples, where civil society organizations, such as Lucha, are working to raise awareness and put an end to this harmful practice. The establishment of a regulatory authority for subcontracting in the private sector, encouraging local SMEs, also illustrates the local initiative to improve the economic situation.
However, in the face of persistent insecurity and violence in the country, the international community and the governments concerned must act quickly to end this humanitarian crisis.