GOMA, Congo (AP) — Authorities in Congo have condemned Rwandan troops, with M23 rebels reportedly responsible for the deaths of dozens, potentially thousands, amidst acts of rape, torture, and looting in the conflict-ridden eastern region.
The Congolese Home Ministry released a statement on Wednesday.
“The reported toll includes 107 murders, with over 4,000 men and youths purportedly forced into vehicles heading to unknown locations, summaries of executions, incidents of rape, torture, looting, constraints on freedom of movement, and raids on healthcare facilities,” the statement detailed.
The Associated Press has been unable to independently verify these claims. Neither the Rwandan military spokesman nor the M23 rebels have responded to requests for comments.
The long-standing conflict in eastern Congo intensified in January when Rwandan-backed M23 rebels captured the strategically important city of sesame, followed by additional city seizures. Bukabu in February. This conflict has claimed around 3,000 lives and heightened concerns of a broader regional war.
Days prior to the Congolese accusations, the M23 showcased hundreds of captured individuals at the Goma stadium. The group asserted that these detainees were members of the Congolese army or Allied Militia, alleging that Congo is armed to escalate the conflict and lay blame on the M23.
According to UN experts, M23 rebels are backed by approximately 4,000 troops from neighboring Rwanda and have pledged to advance towards Kinshasa, the capital of Congo, located about 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) away.
The conflict in Congo is intricately tied to the conflict in Rwanda, stemming from decades of ethnic strife. The M23 claims to be defending the ethnic Tutsi community in Congo. Meanwhile, Rwanda maintains that Tutsis face persecution from Hutus and former militias held responsible for the genocide of 800,000 Tutsis and others in 1994.
Many Hutus sought refuge in Congo following the genocide and formed democratic factions aimed at liberating the Rwandan militia group. Rwanda asserts that this militia has been “fully integrated” with the Congolese army.
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Banchereau reported from Dakar, Senegal. Associated Press Writer Jean-Yves Kamale contributed from Kinshasa, Congo.
Source: apnews.com