DR Congo accuses M23 rebels of rights abuses, forced recruitment in east

KIGALI, Rwanda

The Democratic Republic of Congo accused M23 rebels Tuesday of committing human rights abuses and forced recruitment of young people into rebel activities in the country’s east.

Addressing a press conference in the capital Kinshasa on the country’s security situation, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior and Security Jacquemain Shabani said the government has found that the rebels are committing human rights abuses against civilians in occupied territories in eastern Congo’s North and South Kivu provinces.

“The security situation is practically the same in terms of human rights violations. We continue, day by day, to record various violations of the rights of our fellow citizens who live in extremely difficult conditions, marked by insecurity,” he said.

“It must be noted that abductions and kidnappings of young people continue, to forcibly recruit them into armed movements.”

Eastern Congo has been plagued by violence for decades.

The resurgence of the M23 rebel group in 2021, allegedly supported by Rwanda, exacerbated the conflict.

The group controls significant territory, including the provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu, which it seized earlier this year.

In July, Congo and a coalition of various rebel groups that includes the M23 (AFC/M23) signed a ceasefire deal in Doha dubbed the Declaration of Principles.

But fighting in eastern Congo continues amid counter accusations of violating a ceasefire.

Shabani admitted that violations of the ceasefire amid peace talks in Doha “unfortunately remains a significant challenge” as well as the establishment of a parallel administration by the rebels.

The M23 has denied previous reports of human rights abuses.

But last month, Amnesty International accused warring factions including M23 rebels and the Wazalendo, a pro-government militia group in eastern Congo, of committing horrific abuses including gang rapes, summary executions and abductions.