Source: Amnesty International –
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)’s regional and international partners must exert pressure on all parties to the conflict in the east of the country — including the Rwandan-backed M23 fighters, the Rwandan and Congolese armies, and their allies — to prioritize the protection of civilians in the aftermath of the recent fighting in Goma, Amnesty International said today.
“Thousands of Congolese civilians are once again fleeing for their lives, in desperate need of safety and humanitarian aid. Amnesty International calls on all parties to the conflict to prioritize the protection of civilians amid this devastating violence
Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa
On 27 January, the M23 declared that it had seized control of Goma, the DRC’s third-largest city, provincial capital of North-Kivu and home to nearly two million people. This development occurred despite the UN Secretary General’s call for Rwanda to withdraw its troops from the DRC and cease its support for the M23 fighters. Reports from the city described ongoing gunfire and explosions, alongside unverified reports on social media and by journalists of looting, indiscriminate shooting, and shelling in the city. The DRC government has not officially acknowledged losing control of Goma.
“Thousands of Congolese civilians are once again fleeing for their lives, in desperate need of safety and humanitarian aid. Amnesty International calls on all parties to the conflict to prioritize the protection of civilians amid this devastating violence,” said Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa.
Serious human rights violations, including killings of civilians, sexual violence, and the targeting of activists and human rights defenders, have often accompanied past conflicts in eastern DRC, such as during the M23’s takeover of Goma in 2012. Some of these violations could amount to war crimes when committed in armed conflict.