Amnesty International has raised alarm over the escalating human rights abuses in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), following the capture of Goma by the M23 rebel group, backed by Rwanda, in January. The organization calls for urgent international intervention to ensure adherence to International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in the conflict zone.
Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, condemned the widespread violence perpetrated by M23, stating that it has created an environment of fear and retribution in the region. Chagutah highlighted the role of impunity in perpetuating these abuses, stressing the global shock that should accompany the ongoing atrocities.
Key incidents include the raids on hospitals on February 28 and March 3, where over 130 people, including patients and caregivers, were abducted and tortured. Many remain missing after the raids, prompting the UN Human Rights Office to condemn these actions as “deeply distressing.”
Amnesty has also documented severe mistreatment of human rights defenders, including torture and threats within M23-controlled areas. The UN Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders noted growing fears among activists, who continue to receive threats even after fleeing the country.
Sexual violence, both by M23 and the Congolese army, has surged. UNHCR Deputy Director Patrick Eba reported 895 rape cases in the last two weeks of February alone, underscoring the pervasive violence affecting civilians. Chagutah emphasized that both M23 and the Congolese army must be held accountable under international law.
The Geneva Conventions mandate protection for civilians, the wounded, and prisoners of war during armed conflict. Both M23 and the Congolese army are bound by these laws, and Amnesty is urging for accountability and justice for the victims of these war crimes.
The ongoing conflict, marked by mass civilian casualties and displacement, is under investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC). The UN Security Council has also called for the withdrawal of the Rwanda Defence Forces, which support M23.
As the violence persists, the international community faces mounting pressure to intervene and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions in eastern DRC.
Sources: Amnesty International, UNHCR, ICC
Human-rights Picture-by-Nick-Youngson-CC-BY-SA-3.0-Pix4free
