Amnesty International Reports Atrocities in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo
Amnesty International (AI) has revealed that both the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group and militias allied with the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) have perpetrated serious human rights abuses, including gang rapes, summary executions, and abductions of civilians in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), reports 24brussels.
In a new report released on Wednesday, the human rights organization detailed the horrific actions carried out by M23 and the “Wazalendo” militias, a term that translates to “patriots” in Swahili, referring to those allied with the FARDC. AI’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Tigere Chagutah, stated, “The brutality of the warring parties knows no bounds; these atrocities are intended to punish, intimidate and humiliate civilians, as each side attempts to assert control.”
M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwanda according to the United Nations and various nations, have specifically targeted hospitals, kidnapped patients, and subjected civilians to torture and enforced disappearances. This pattern of violence has led to further destabilization and suffering among the civilian population.
Chagutah urged DRC President Felix Tshisekedi to fulfill his promise of justice and accountability, emphasizing the need for bringing Wazalendo fighters implicated in these crimes to justice, while also advocating for their demobilization and reintegration into civilian life. He additionally called on Rwanda to ensure that its Defense Forces abide by international humanitarian law amid ongoing conflict.
The report’s findings stem from interviews with over 53 individuals, including survivors of gang rape, family members of murder and enforced disappearance victims, journalists, medical professionals, human rights advocates, lawyers, and humanitarian workers, underscoring the widespread impact of this violence on the population of the DRC.
