The UN rights chief has warned of escalating violence in eastern DRC, urging immediate action to prevent regional destabilization. Following the M23 rebels’ seizure of Goma, concerns over weapon proliferation and human rights abuses have intensified, prompting investigations by the UN and ICC. Rwanda accuses the DRC of plotting an attack, amidst allegations of external interference in the conflict, highlighting growing tensions between the two nations.
UN rights chief Volker Türk expressed alarm over the escalating violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and warned of its potential to destabilize the broader region. Speaking at an emergency meeting of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, he emphasized the need for urgent intervention to prevent further deterioration of the situation. Türk highlighted that the risk of violence spreading across borders has intensified and called for decisive action by influential parties to address the crisis.
He specifically noted an uptick in weapon proliferation in the region, exacerbating concerns around human rights abuses. The UN is investigating serious allegations, including reports of rape and sexual slavery amid the conflict. Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court (ICC) is monitoring credible reports indicating hundreds of fatalities, impacting both civilians and peacekeepers. The M23 rebel group, with Rwandan backing, has intensified military operations, despite declaring a ceasefire.
Tensions between Rwanda and the DRC remain high, with Kigali accusing Kinshasa of plotting a large-scale attack to destabilize the region. Rwanda’s UN Ambassador James Ngango asserted the presence of a significant threat to Rwanda stemming from the conflict. Allegations of Rwanda’s interference in the DRC’s internal matters persist, although Kigali denies any wrongdoing, insisting that its security is at risk from the ongoing clashes. UN experts estimate a considerable number of Rwandan troops are currently deployed in the eastern DRC, contributing to regional instability.
The DRC has a long history of conflict, particularly in its eastern provinces, which are rich in natural resources. This ongoing instability has drawn in neighboring countries, notably Rwanda, which has been accused of supporting rebel groups like M23. The current violence has raised alarming humanitarian concerns and drawn the attention of international bodies, including the UN and ICC, aiming to document and address human rights violations amid calls for immediate intervention to stabilize the region.
The situation in the DRC is critically urgent, with escalating violence threatening not just the country but potentially the surrounding region. UN officials emphasize immediate action to curb the conflict and prevent further humanitarian crises. This tension highlights the interconnected nature of regional security and the complex interplay of external influences in the DRC’s ongoing struggles.
Original Source: www.dw.com
