The UN Human Rights Council is addressing severe violence in eastern Congo, following the capture of Goma by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. With 3,000 casualties since late January, the Congolese government has requested international accountability from Rwanda. UN officials warn of deteriorating conditions and increased military support for the rebels, urging for immediate peace initiatives.
The UN’s Human Rights Council convened on Friday to urgently address escalating violence in eastern Congo, particularly following the recent takeover of Goma by the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group. Since late January, around 3,000 fatalities have been reported, alongside significant injuries. The session came at the request of the Congolese government, which called for accountability from Rwanda and the M23 for alleged crimes against humanity, along with the establishment of a fact-finding mission to investigate the human rights situation in the region.
Experts from the UN emphasize that M23 is notably supported by approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops, aggravating the ongoing conflict involving over 100 different armed factions in the area. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has appealed for immediate action from the rebels, urging them to abandon violence and engage in mediation efforts to resolve the crisis.
Volker Türk, the UN high commissioner for human rights, indicated that violence surged starting January 26, with casualty figures likely underreported. He warned that if the international community does not intervene, conditions for the people in and beyond eastern Congo may worsen significantly, given the importance of the region’s mineral wealth in global technology production.
Amid rising international concern, M23 attempted to ease fears by hosting a public rally, asserting that locals would be safe under their governance. Congolese officials, including communication minister Patrick Muyaya Katembwe, have urged the Human Rights Council to hold Rwanda accountable for its support of the rebels and alleged war crimes.
Rwanda’s UN ambassador countered allegations by claiming that armed groups responsible for the 1994 genocide have fled to Congo and now threaten national security. Following numerous diplomatic statements, the council is expected to deliberate on Congo’s draft resolution advocating for an independent investigation into the human rights abuses in the region.
This urgent meeting reflects the multiplicity of challenges facing the Democratic Republic of Congo, stemming from longstanding tensions and conflicts exacerbated by the involvement of neighboring countries, particularly Rwanda. The M23 rebel group’s resurgence is emblematic of the instability that has affected eastern Congo for decades, largely driven by competition over rich mineral resources and historical ethnic tensions.
The UN Human Rights Council’s session underscores the dire humanitarian situation in eastern Congo, highlighting the need for accountability and urgent international intervention. With thousands already affected by violence, the stakes are high for both local populations and regional stability. Continued conflict poses risks not just within Congolese borders but extends to neighboring areas, emphasizing the necessity for diplomatic efforts to mitigate the crisis.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
