Use of explosive weapons ‘must stop’ in eastern Congo: Türk

The latest conflict in eastern Congo began in 2021 when the Rwandan-backed and Tutsi-led M23 militia took up arms against the Congolese military. This fighting began with the genocide against the Tutsi tribe in Rwanda in 1994 have fled more than eight million people during decades of conflict.

Clashes between the Congolese army and M23 have recently escalated in South Kivu province, with both sides using armed drones, heavy artillery and other explosive weapons in civilian-populated areas, killing many civilians and livestock and destroying homes.

“It is deeply troubling that although an agreement has been reached as part of the ongoing peace process, fighting continues in eastern Congo – killing, maiming and displacing civilians and destroying livelihoods,” Türk said.

Increased fear of displacement

Despite a US-brokered ceasefire signed by Congo and Rwanda in December aimed at ending hostilities and starting cooperation on minerals trade, fighting continues and both sides accuse each other of violating the agreement.

In February, The UN launches a fact-finding mission to investigate “serious human rights violations” committed by several armed groups in eastern Congoincluding sexual violence, summary executions, enforced disappearances, attacks on journalists and bombings of refugee camps.

Although more than a million refugees have fled the large Central African country, Türk said there were growing concerns about this even more civilians could be displacedwhich could lead to more violations of international human rights and humanitarian law.

“Both parties to a conflict and their allies have clear obligations under international humanitarian law to do this ensure safe, fast and unimpeded access to humanitarian assistance for all those in need,” said the human rights chief

Call to action

The High Commissioner urged Rwanda to end its support for M23, but this was continuously denied by Rwanda despite substantial evidence produced by experts mandated by the UN to closely monitor the situation.

Türk added that Rwanda should withdraw its troops from Congo and that Congolese authorities should demobilize, disarm and repatriate members of the mostly Hutu armed group FDLR, most of whose founders are refugees from Rwanda.

Mr Türk also urged regional actors and the international community to act immediately to prevent further violence and civilian deaths in South Kivu.

“The use of explosive weapons with widespread impact in populated areas has devastating consequences and must be stopped,” Türk said.