The United Nations has launched a scathing report accusing all sides in the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The report, compiled by the UN Human Rights Office, found that the Rwanda-backed M23 militia and the Congolese military and its affiliates have committed gross rights violations, including summary executions, rampant sexual violence, and torture.
The UN report specifically highlights the M23 militia’s systematic use of sexual violence, including gang rape, largely against women, with the intent to “degrade, punish, and break the dignity of victims”.
The militia is also accused of carrying out summary executions, torture, and enforced disappearances, which may amount to crimes against humanity.
According to the report, M23 received training and operational support from the Rwandan Defence Forces, and there are credible allegations of the covert presence of Rwandan personnel within M23.
The report also accuses the DRC armed forces and affiliated armed groups, such as pro-government militia fighters known as Wazalendo, of committing grave violations, including gang rape, deliberate killing of civilians, and looting.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk condemned the atrocities, calling for accountability for victims. “The atrocities described in this report are horrific,” Turk said, emphasizing the need for those responsible to be held accountable.
The conflict in eastern DRC has been ongoing for decades, with the M23 militia seizing large swaths of land in the restive region since 2021, triggering a humanitarian crisis that has killed thousands and displaced at least seven million people.
In August, a separate UN report found that healthcare providers in the eastern region treated over 17,000 victims of sexual violence from January to May 2024.
Despite a declaration of principles signed in July, which pledged to start negotiating a peace deal, the two sides have missed the deadline to reach a peace agreement.
The violence continues, with M23 rebels killing 319 civilians in east DR Congo in July, according to the UN. The Congolese government and the rebels have resumed talks in Qatar, but the road to peace remains long and uncertain.
Additional Insights into the DRC Conflict
The conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been marked by extreme violence and human rights abuses for over three decades.
The M23 militia, backed by Rwanda, has been accused of committing gross rights violations, including summary executions, torture, and enforced disappearances. These actions may amount to crimes against humanity, according to the UN report.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has condemned the atrocities committed by both the M23 militia and the Congolese military.
“The atrocities described in this report are horrific,” Turk said, emphasizing the need for those responsible to be held accountable. The report highlights the systematic use of sexual violence by the M23 militia, including gang rape, largely against women, with the intent to “degrade, punish, and break the dignity of victims”.
The conflict has had a devastating impact on civilians, with thousands killed and at least seven million displaced.
Healthcare providers in the eastern region have treated over 17,000 victims of sexual violence from January to May 2024, with nearly 40% of survivors being children. The UN International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) estimated that during the most intense phase of the conflict, a child was raped every 30 minutes.
Despite a declaration of principles signed in July, the two sides have missed the deadline to reach a peace agreement.
The Congolese government and the rebels have resumed talks in Qatar, but the road to peace remains long and uncertain. The UN report calls for accountability for victims and emphasizes the need for all parties to respect international humanitarian and human rights law.
The international community has expressed concern over the escalating violence and human rights abuses in the DRC.
The UN Human Rights Council has launched a commission to investigate atrocities, including rapes and killings akin to “summary executions” committed by both sides.
The UN development agency (UNDP) has issued an appeal to help people uprooted by the violence rebuild their lives and livelihoods.