The persistent insecurity in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo worries the international community, which is struggling to find a lasting solution for peace in this region. Since the end of 2022, the M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, have increased their abuses, committing illegal executions, rapes, and attacks with explosive weapons in populated areas. Armed groups opposed to the M23 have also been implicated in violence.
The situation is very worrying, as the Rwandan army provides direct military support to the M23 to extend its control over certain territories. Human Rights Watch has called on the UN Security Council to add M23 leaders and Rwandan officials who support them to the list of sanctions targets, to end these human rights abuses.
It is important to note that this humanitarian crisis is not limited to the M23, as the FARDC has also been implicated in serious human rights abuses, in collaboration with other armed groups. Ethnic loyalties are increasingly strained, putting civilians at increased risk.
Unfortunately, the crisis has been worsening for two years, with a state of siege in force in the region, and the collaboration of the FARDC with several armed groups. The local populations therefore live in great insecurity, with a permanent risk of violence.
It is therefore necessary that all stakeholders, Rwandans and Congolese, take their responsibilities and bring the culprits to justice. It is also essential that governments work together with the international community to find a lasting solution to this humanitarian crisis, promoting reconciliation and the reconstruction of eastern DRC.