Uncovering Atrocities: M23 and Wazalendo Abuses in Eastern Congo
In the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), both the Rwanda-backed M23 Movement and the Wazalendo coalition, supported by the Congolese army, have been involved in severe human rights violations, including gang rapes and other abuses against civilians. Amnesty International's new briefing, titled "DRC: 'They said we would die': M23 and Wazalendo abuses in eastern Congo," highlights the atrocities committed by these groups. M23 fighters have killed civilians, attacked hospitals, abducted patients, and tortured civil society members, while the Wazalendo have received weapons from the Congolese army and engaged in similar abuses.
The situation in eastern DRC has escalated, with M23 controlling significant areas and the Wazalendo receiving support from the Congolese army. The violence perpetrated by both sides aims to punish and intimidate civilians, leading to widespread suffering. Amnesty International urges Rwanda and the DRC to hold all perpetrators accountable for their actions. President Felix Tshisekedi is called upon to ensure justice and accountability for Wazalendo fighters, while Rwanda must ensure that its forces in the DRC adhere to international humanitarian law.
Amnesty International conducted interviews with victims and witnesses, including survivors of gang rape, individuals affected by abuse, and various professionals and activists. The organization also reviewed official statements and reports to gather information on the human rights violations. Despite requesting information from the FARDC and M23 representatives, Amnesty International had not received responses at the time of publication.
Survivors of sexual violence in North and South Kivu reported being gang-raped by M23 and Wazalendo fighters, as well as FARDC soldiers. The perpetrators wore uniforms resembling those of the groups they belonged to, and the attacks occurred in various locations in eastern DRC. The testimonies of survivors paint a harrowing picture of the brutality faced by women and girls in the region.
The atrocities committed by M23 and Wazalendo extend beyond sexual violence to include torture, forced disappearances, and summary killings. Civil society actors, journalists, and human rights defenders have been targeted by M23 fighters, leading to further violations of human rights. The signing of a "declaration of principles" in Doha, Qatar, between DRC and M23 representatives aims to pave the way for a peace agreement, but ongoing abuses must be addressed.
As diplomatic efforts continue, Amnesty International calls on Qatar to pressure M23 to halt abductions and disappearances, while urging the United States to support the implementation of a vetting mechanism to identify and remove individuals implicated in human rights abuses. The protection of civilians, especially women and girls, must be a priority for all parties involved in the conflict in eastern DRC.