**The massacre of civilians by M23 rebels in North Kivu: an abominable and unacceptable act**
In a region already scarred by years of conflict and violence, the announcement of the massacre of fifteen civilians by M23 rebels in the towns of Kiseguru, in the Binza group, Bwisha chiefdom in Rutshuru territory, in North Kivu, resonates as a new affront to life and peace. These barbaric acts, perpetrated against innocent people, simply practicing their agricultural activities, raise questions about the brutality and murderous madness that continue to rage in this region.
According to testimonies collected on site, the victims were surprised by a machine gun attack and were massacred in a cruel and indiscriminate manner. The acts of violence, orchestrated by a certain Colonel Ernest according to some reports, leave an atmosphere of terror and incomprehension among the local populations. The inability of the authorities to guarantee the security and protection of civilians appears as a gaping flaw in a territory plagued by chronic instability and insecurity.
Beyond this tragic event, it is easy to see that the M23 rebels and their Rwandan allies continue to exercise abusive and repressive control over the local populations. The reports of the disappearance of several traditional leaders in the areas occupied by these armed groups raise crucial questions about respect for human rights and fundamental values of humanity.
Faced with this escalation of violence and barbarity, it is imperative that the international community, the Congolese authorities and local actors join forces and resources to put an end to these abuses and work together to establish a lasting and inclusive peace in the North Kivu region. Impunity can no longer prevail, and justice must be done for the victims of these heinous crimes.
In conclusion, the massacre of fifteen civilians by the M23 rebels in North Kivu is a brutal reminder of the persistent challenges in terms of security and protection of populations in this region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is urgent to act, to firmly condemn such acts and to put in place effective mechanisms to prevent new tragedies and to guarantee the security and dignity of all.