By: Manoah Kikekon
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| M23 Rebels [Photo Credit: BBC] |
Despite a U.S.-sanctioned ceasefire, Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have massacred at least 319 civilians in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in just two weeks, according to a shocking new UN report.
The UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) revealed that victims including 48 women and 19 children were mostly farmers camping in their fields during the planting season when they were brutally attacked.
The bloodshed comes just weeks after two major peace deals the Washington Agreement (June 27) and the Doha Declaration (July 19) were signed to end the conflict. However, the M23, a Tutsi-led rebel group active for over 15 years, has continued its deadly campaign.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk condemned the atrocities, stating, “I am appalled by the attacks on civilians by the M23 and other armed groups... despite the ceasefire. All attacks must stop immediately, and perpetrators must be held accountable.”
The violence has worsened what experts call one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises 7.8 million people are internally displaced in eastern DRC a record high. 28 million face food insecurity, with nearly 4 million at emergency levels. 30,000 South Sudanese refugees have fled into Ituri province since April, escaping their own conflict.
The World Food Programme (WFP) warns that funding shortages may force it to cut aid to hundreds of thousands, while health services collapse under relentless attacks.
Despite Rwanda and DRC signing peace agreements, NGOs report no real change on the ground. Türk urged signatories to ensure the deals bring “safety, security, and real progress for civilians.”
(NAN)