Ethnic Violence Intensifies in North Kivu
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has blamed the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group for ethnically targeted mass killings in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In a report published on Wednesday, HRW reported that more than 140 civilians predominantly ethnic Hutus were rounded up and killed in at least 14 villages and farming areas in North Kivu province. The attacks were characterized as part of a broader military campaign against the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), an insurgent group created by ethnic Hutu leaders who were associated with the 1994 genocide against Tutsis.
HRW labelled the killings “one of the worst atrocities committed by the M23” and cautioned they generated grave fears of ethnic cleansing. The organization appealed for the UN Security Council to move immediately to stop the growing crisis.
Ceasefire Fails to Stop Violence
HRW accusations follow weeks of news from the UN that M23 fighters killed at least 319 civilians during July in North Kivu, including allegations of direct participation by Rwandan troops. Both the Congolese government and the M23 had signed a ceasefire in July to bring the conflict to an end, but since then there have been reports of fighting and atrocities. Rwanda repeatedly denies supplying military aid to the M23, maintaining that the presence across the border of the FDLR threatens its existence.
Amnesty International, in another briefing, underscored atrocities perpetrated by the M23 and the government-aligned Wazalendo militias, including gang rape, torture, and extrajudicial killings, many of which could amount to war crimes. Amnesty spoke to over 50 victims and witnesses, including 14 sexual violence survivors.
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Targeting Women and Civilians
Amnesty noted that women are still very exposed, reporting that attacks take place within homes, fields, and shelter. “These crimes are meant to punish, intimidate, and humiliate civilians,” stated Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty’s regional director. HRW and Amnesty documented forced disappearance, torture, and kidnappings, with Amnesty cautions that the M23 has deliberately targeted perceived enemies, including members of the Tutsi community.
International Pressure Called For
Both human rights groups have demanded more robust international action. Amnesty called on the United States, one of the major sponsors of the July ceasefire agreement in Doha, to compel the Congolese government to take out combatants and officials accused of human rights violations. Even after numerous attempts at mediation, eastern Congo is stuck with a war fuelled by ethnic competition, lucrative mineral wealth, and rival interests from armed factions and regional states.
