UN Report Details Atrocities in Congo By M23 Rebels, Forces

Geneva, Sep 5 (AP) The UN human rights office reported on Friday that both Congo's armed forces and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have committed serious crimes in eastern Congo, including gang rape, sexual slavery, torture, and killings of civilians over the past year.

According to a new report, compiled by a fact-finding team that visited the region from March to August, there are concerns that war crimes and crimes against humanity may have taken place since late 2024. The conflict in this central African nation escalated in January when M23 fighters captured the key eastern city of Goma.

“The atrocities in this report are horrific,” stated Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN office, quoting High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk. It's devastating and deeply frustrating to witness the ongoing dehumanization of civilians by those in positions of power who are neglecting their responsibilities. The UN Human Rights Council is set to address the report during its upcoming month-long session starting Monday.

The conflict has resulted in around 3,000 deaths, heightened fears of a broader regional conflict, and has contributed to one of the most pressing global humanitarian crises. Reports of human rights violations throughout this conflict have been well-documented over the years, with recent spikes in sexual violence predominantly targeting women and girls.

The report revealed that M23 rebels had engaged in summary executions, torture, detentions, enforced disappearances, and forced recruitment, impacting thousands of civilians considered to be against the group or its recruitment efforts. "Rapes were committed repeatedly over prolonged periods, often accompanied by additional acts of physical and psychological torture, with the clear intent to demean, punish, and shatter the dignity of victims," the report stated.

Shamdasani emphasized the seriousness of the situation revealed by the report, highlighting the systematic nature of the rights violations and abuses.

The report also detailed violations committed by Congo's armed forces, known by the acronym FARDC, and associated armed groups like Wazalendo. "Perpetrators acted in large groups across multiple locations simultaneously, showing recurring patterns of rape and looting rather than isolated incidents," the report noted.

The rights office stated that the governments of both Congo and Rwanda bear responsibility. "DRC and Rwanda are accountable for supporting armed groups with known records of severe abuses and for failing to fulfill their obligations to ensure respect for international humanitarian law and to protect civilians from harm," it declared.

A peace agreement brokered by the United States in June has yet to result in adequate accountability for crimes or support for victims, according to the report. (AP) SKS SCY SCY

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