Human Rights Watch condemns M23 rebels for killing, rape in Congo

By Godfrey Olukya

KAMPALA, Uganda (AA) - Human Rights Watch (HRW) condemned Rwandan-backed M23 rebels Tuesday for overt killings, rape and other war crimes in the Congo (DR Congo) since late last year.

HRW the rebels have carried out attacks with explosives in populated areas in North Kivu province killing and injuring civilians and damaging infrastructure since late 2022.

"The relentless killings and raping committed by the M23 are aided by the military support Rwandan commanders provide to the rebel armed group," said Human Right Watch Africa Division researcher Clementine de Montjoye. "DR Congo and Rwanda all have an obligation to bring to justice the commanders of the M23 for their crimes, as well as any Rwandan official who supports them," he said.

HRW said that on May 9 Medecins sans Frontieres (MSF), or Doctors Without Borders, said it provided care to 674 survivors of sexual violence during the last two weeks of April in camps for the displaced around Goma. It also documented eight illegal executions and has received credible information about more than one dozen summary executions committed by the M23.

Rwanda denies the accusations that it backs the M23.

The rebels started attacking Congo army positions in March 2022 leading to the displacement of thousands of residents, according to the government.​​​​​​​