The U.N. Human Rights Council condemned Rwanda for backing rebels in eastern Congo amid escalating violence, leading to a significant humanitarian crisis. A resolution was passed, establishing an independent inquiry into human rights violations and demanding immediate cessation of such violations. There have been approximately 3,000 deaths since January, with the situation becoming increasingly dire, calling for urgent international intervention.
The United Nations Human Rights Council has condemned Rwanda for supporting rebel fighters in eastern Congo and dispatched a team of experts to investigate human rights violations in the affected areas. This resolution was approved unanimously during an urgent session, which emphasized the humanitarian crisis escalating since the M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, captured the strategic city of Goma, resulting in approximately 3,000 casualties and a similar number of injuries since January.
This region is rich in minerals crucial for global technology industries, including mobile phones. The resolution denounces the Rwandan defense forces’ military support to the M23, which exacerbates civilian suffering, displaces populations, and contributes to significant trauma. The council has demanded the immediate cessation of human rights violations by the M23 and Rwandan forces and has called for humanitarian access to Goma’s airport to facilitate aid deliveries.
An independent commission of inquiry has been established, composed of three legal experts, to investigate the region’s human rights violations. U.N. experts report that about 4,000 Rwandan troops back the M23, the most powerful of over 100 armed groups in the area. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has urged these rebels to surrender their arms and agree to mediation.
Volker Türk, the U.N. human rights chief, indicated that violence has sharply increased, with around 3,000 fatalities and nearly 2,900 injuries reported since January 26, warning that the actual figures could be much higher. He stated, “If nothing is done, then the worst could still be yet to come for the inhabitants of the eastern part of the country and for people living beyond the DRC’s borders.”
Türk highlighted the severity of the situation, including heavy weapon usage and intense clashes between the M23 and Congo’s armed forces. He called for swift international intervention, lamenting, “How many more innocent lives must be lost before sufficient political will is galvanized to resolve this crisis?” In an effort to regain public support amid mounting international scrutiny, the rebels held a rally, assuring residents of their safety under their governance.
Congo’s communications minister, Patrick Muyaya Katembwe, urged the council to hold Rwanda accountable for war crimes and crimes against humanity, citing issues like forced displacement and territorial ambitions. Conversely, Rwanda’s ambassador to the U.N., James Ngango, asserted that groups involved in the Rwandan genocide had fled to Congo, posing a security threat to Rwanda and propagating a dangerous ideology.
The U.N. Human Rights Council’s condemnation of Rwanda’s support for rebels in eastern Congo underscores the urgent need for intervention to address the escalating violence and humanitarian crisis. With significant casualties reported, the establishment of an independent commission reflects the gravity of the situation. Both the voices of Congolese leaders and the assurances made by rebel forces highlight the complexities of the conflict and the dire need for accountability and resolution.
Original Source: apnews.com
