Since the end of 2022, the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo has been plunged into a climate of violence. The M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, committed abuses that led Human Rights Watch to denounce manifest war crimes. Unlawful executions, rapes and violence against civilians have exacerbated an already dire humanitarian crisis.
The Rwandan army has also reportedly deployed troops to eastern DRC to provide direct military support to M23, allowing the rebel armed group to extend its control over Rutshuru territory as well as neighboring Masisi territory. Considering the various abuses of the M23, the United Nations Security Council should add the leaders of the armed group as well as the Rwandan officials who support it to the list of targets of the Council’s sanctions.
Human Rights Watch points out that the killings, rapes and other abuses of the M23 are made possible by the military support that Rwandan commanders provide to this group. Both countries have an obligation to bring to justice M23 commanders for their crimes as well as any Rwandan official who supports them.
Attacks by armed groups have also caused damage to the country’s infrastructure and exacerbated the health crisis. Moreover, the authorities have failed to put an end to the violence in the region and have even sometimes collaborated with the various armed groups on the basis of ethnic criteria.
During its research, Human Rights Watch documented several unlawful executions as well as cases of rape and violence perpetrated by M23 fighters. Survivors and witnesses also identified M23 fighters based on their uniforms and equipment.
The catastrophic security situation in the DRC requires international action to put an end to the abuses and for those responsible for these crimes to answer for their acts before the courts.