Human Rights Watch has accused the Rwandan army and M23 rebels of indiscriminately shelling civilian camps around Goma, DRC. Recent reports document multiple incidents of artillery attacks that have resulted in civilian casualties, particularly among children. The escalation in violence has led to a surge in displaced persons, with serious concerns regarding human rights violations and humanitarian aid obstruction. Analysts urge both governments to halt support for armed groups and protect civilian lives.
Human Rights Watch has raised serious allegations against the Rwandan army and the M23 rebel group, claiming they have engaged in indiscriminate shelling of civilian displacement camps surrounding Goma, the capital of North Kivu, as violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) escalates. Reports indicate that since M23 captured the town of Sake and moved closer to Goma earlier this year, there have been multiple instances of artillery and rocket fire targeting camps and densely populated areas within the vicinity of the city, occurring at least five times. According to the HRW report released on September 26, both parties involved in the conflict committed numerous abuses, including killings, sexual assaults, and impediments to humanitarian aid, which have significantly affected over half a million displaced individuals in the region. The report details the alarming developments, highlighting that the Rwandan Defence Force and M23 advanced towards Sake in January 2024, severing crucial supply routes to Goma, located merely 25 kilometers away. Since that time, M23—supported by Rwandan forces—has established greater dominance in North Kivu, marking its most substantial territorial advancement since it emerged again in 2021. On May 3, between 10 and 11 a.m., at least three rockets struck approximately 15 kilometers west of Goma, according to HRW. The organization attributes the shelling to positions held by the Rwandan army and M23 operating northwest of Sake, resulting in the tragic deaths of seventeen civilians, including fifteen children. Clémentine de Montjoye, an Africa researcher for HRW, stated, “As fighting between Rwandan and Congolese forces with their allied militias edges closer to Goma, civilians and displaced populations are increasingly trapped in the crossfire and deprived of vital aid. Both Rwanda and Congo must cease support for armed groups that violate the laws of war and ensure the protection of civilians.” HRW investigators conducted field visits to various camps around Goma, such as Bulengo, Bushagara, and Mugunga, from May to July 2024, interviewing sixty-five survivors and witnesses. They also examined satellite imagery, photos, and videos related to the attacks to assess the impact on civilian locales. The findings were presented to Rwandan and Congolese authorities, but the organization did not receive any acknowledgments or responses. Amid escalating violence, displaced populations in North Kivu have surged to approximately 2.4 million. The heavy artillery utilized by Rwandan military and M23 forces has prompted serious concerns regarding indiscriminate assaults on civilian areas, potentially constituting violations of international humanitarian law. In August, Médecins Sans Frontières highlighted that over ten percent of young women in Goma’s displacement camps reported being raped between November 2023 and April 2024, with some camps witnessing rates as high as seventeen percent.
The conflict in eastern DRC, particularly in North Kivu, has been characterized by persistent violence, involving various armed groups, including the M23. This group rose to prominence again in 2021, leading to severe humanitarian crises marked by displacement and the violation of civilians’ rights. The strategic geographical positioning of Goma and surrounding areas makes them significant battlegrounds as both local and external armed forces seek control over resources and territory, often at the expense of civilian safety and welfare. The humanitarian situation has deteriorated rapidly, with millions displaced and dire conditions prevailing in makeshift camps.
In summary, the allegations of indiscriminate shelling by the Rwandan army and M23 against civilian displacement camps in the DRC reveal a deeply troubling humanitarian crisis. The continuous cycle of violence has led to significant civilian casualties, the displacement of millions, and severe violations of international law. The need for both Rwandan and Congolese authorities to uphold their obligations to protect civilians and curb the activities of armed groups is paramount to restoring peace and aiding displaced populations. The international community must closely monitor the situation and respond accordingly to mitigate further suffering.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
