UN Reports 319 Civilians Killed by M23 Rebels in Eastern Congo
The United Nations has confirmed that M23 rebels, allegedly supported by Rwandan forces, killed over 300 civilians in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo last month. This alarming statistic raises serious concerns about the ongoing peace negotiations, reports 24brussels.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk disclosed that between July 9 and July 21, at least 319 individuals, including 48 women and 19 children, lost their lives in four villages within North Kivu’s Rutshuru territory. This incident marks one of the deadliest documented attacks since the resurgence of M23 in 2022.
Türk expressed dismay at the violence, calling for an immediate cessation of the assaults on civilians by M23 and affiliated armed groups. The UN’s assessment indicates that these attacks significantly undermine efforts for peace in the region.
The violence erupted shortly after Congolese officials and M23 leaders signed a declaration of principles in Qatar on July 19, aimed at establishing a comprehensive peace agreement. This accord was supposed to include proposals for restoring governmental control over rebel-held territories and providing protections for civilians.
A complete peace deal is anticipated by August 18, following Qatari-led mediation efforts. However, recent attacks heighten doubts regarding the factions’ commitment to cease hostilities and adhere to humanitarian commitments.
Earlier this year, M23 forces, with backing from Rwanda, captured several strategic cities in eastern Congo, exacerbating an already complex conflict characterized by over 100 armed groups competing for dominance in mineral-rich regions. The ongoing violence complicates the fragile peace talks, emphasizing the need for intensified international pressure to safeguard civilians and hold perpetrators accountable.
As the deadline for a peace accord approaches, the continuous assaults illustrate the precarious nature of the negotiations, underscoring the urgency for decisive action from the global community to ensure civilian protection in this tumultuous region.
