Key Points
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UN condemns M23 rebels over deadly attacks.
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Rwanda-backed group blamed for rising atrocities.
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Civilians bear brunt of eastern Congo conflict.
The United Nations has condemned a wave of deadly attacks on civilians in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, blaming the Rwandan-backed M23 armed group for escalating violence in the mineral-rich region.
According to the UN, the most recent events, which claimed many lives, might qualify as war crimes under international law.
In a strongly worded statement on Tuesday, the UN peacekeeping mission in Congo, MONUSCO, expressed grave concern over reports that the M23 rebels were deliberately targeting non-combatants in North Kivu province. The region has turned into a hot spot in the escalating war between rebel groups and Congolese military forces fighting for resources and territory.
M23 rebels are condemned by the UN for killing civilians
“These attacks are appalling and totally unacceptable,” said Bintou Keita, the UN’s Special Representative in the DRC. “Victims are not and should never be the targets of violence.”
Over the past week, at least 40 people have been reported killed in a string of assaults blamed on M23 fighters.
According to eyewitness reports, thousands of people were forced to evacuate to temporary displacement camps as a result of random shootings and the use of heavy weapons in populated areas.
According to a report by Africa-news, humanitarian organizations caution that the situation is rapidly worsening and that there is a growing lack of access to food, shelter, and healthcare. As the populace is overcome with fear, schools and health facilities have also been abandoned.
The crisis in eastern Congo is made worse by M23 atrocities
The resurgence of the M23 movement, which had previously agreed to a ceasefire, has undermined fragile regional peace efforts and drawn sharp criticism from the international community. Kigali continues to refute the Congolese government’s accusations that Rwanda finances and arms the group.
However, a number of independent and UN reports have connected Rwanda to the M23, increasing geopolitical tensions in the Great Lakes region. The African Union and East African regional bloc have also called for renewed dialogue, but progress has been slow.
“Civilians are paying the ultimate price for political failures and cross-border meddling,” said Alain Katanga, a Congolese security analyst. “There is a vacuum of accountability that emboldens armed groups.”
Rwanda’s alleged support draws global concern
The M23’s growing boldness, military coordination, and access to advanced weaponry have further fueled suspicions of foreign backing.
The United States, European Union, and several UN Security Council members have called for an independent investigation into Rwanda’s role in the conflict.
Meanwhile, MONUSCO has urged restraint from all parties and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting civilians and facilitating humanitarian aid. However, critics argue that the peacekeeping mission remains under-resourced and constrained by political limitations.
As violence escalates and diplomatic pressure mounts, the UN says the situation in eastern Congo must not be allowed to spiral into another forgotten humanitarian disaster.
