Additional Coverage:
- Rwanda-backed rebels have killed at least 80 civilians in recent weeks, Congolese authorities say (nbcnews.com)
Eastern Congo Violence Claims 80 Lives, Threatening Peace Deal
Recent weeks have seen escalating violence in eastern Congo, with Congolese authorities reporting the deaths of at least 80 civilians at the hands of Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. This surge in violence comes despite ongoing peace negotiations mediated by Qatar.
In a statement released late Friday, the Congolese army strongly condemned what it described as a series of mass killings perpetrated by the “RDF/M23-AFC coalition” in South Kivu. The army cited the deaths of 80 individuals in Nyaborongo village on August 4th, and an earlier incident on July 24th where six civilians, including two minors, were killed in Lumbishi village. The army also accused the M23 of forcibly recruiting young people and minors into their ranks.
These continued attacks jeopardize the Qatar-led peace process, which aims to secure a permanent peace agreement between the Congolese government and the M23 rebels by August 18th. A key component of the proposed agreement is the protection of civilians and the safe return of millions displaced by the conflict. As of yet, there has been no response from the M23 regarding these latest accusations.
These reports follow earlier allegations from UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk, who stated that the M23, supported by the Rwandan Defense Force, was responsible for the deaths of 319 people in North Kivu province between July 9th and 21st. The M23 has denied these claims, labeling them as politically motivated and unverified, and calling for an independent investigation.