Amnesty International Alleges War Crimes by Congo's Army and M23 Rebel Group in Recent Attacks

Amnesty International has accused Congo's army and the M23 rebel group of committing acts that may be considered war crimes. The human rights organisation reported that both parties launched over 150 attacks using unguided rockets and explosives in eastern Congo between January and July last year. These assaults resulted in more than 100 civilian deaths and hundreds of injuries.

The report by Amnesty International was released amid escalating conflict between the Congolese military and various rebel factions in the country's east. The United Nations refugee agency noted that over 237,000 individuals have been displaced due to the ongoing violence since the start of this year. This situation adds to the already severe humanitarian crisis in the region.

Conflict in Eastern Congo

M23 is among approximately 100 armed groups competing for control in mineral-rich eastern Congo, near Rwanda's border. This decades-long conflict has led to one of the world's largest humanitarian crises, displacing over 7 million people. The Congolese government and the UN have accused Rwanda of supporting M23, a claim Rwanda denies.

Despite denying support for M23, Rwanda acknowledged in February that it has stationed troops and missile systems in eastern Congo. This move was justified as a security measure against Congolese military activities near their border. UN experts estimate that up to 4,000 Rwandan forces are present in Congo.

Recent Developments

In recent weeks, M23 has made notable advances in eastern Congo. After seizing Masisi, a crucial mining town in North-Kivu province, fighting intensified around Lumbishi in South-Kivu province over the weekend. These developments highlight the ongoing volatility and complexity of the conflict.

Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International, remarked on the situation: "The devastating escalation in the use of explosive weapons is a new and dangerous development in a three-decade conflict already rife with human rights and humanitarian law violations." Amnesty International has urged the International Criminal Court to investigate these attacks as potential war crimes.

The situation remains tense as both local and international entities continue to monitor developments closely. The humanitarian impact is significant, with millions affected by displacement and violence. The international community's response will be crucial in addressing these ongoing challenges.