Human Rights Watch says the M23 rebel takeover of Uvira, in Congo, has created a major crisis for civilians. The group, backed by Rwandan forces, seized the city earlier this month alongside a coalition of armed fighters. This offensive killed at least seventy-four people and forced around two hundred thousand to flee their homes.
The rights organization documented summary executions and the use of explosive weapons in populated areas during the capture. It notes that all sides, including the Congolese military and its allied militias, have committed violations. This brutal advance happened just after the US brokered a de-escalation deal between Congo and Rwanda, showing the accord's immediate failure.
Researchers state the fighting parties are blocking aid and breaking international humanitarian law. They call for the UN Security Council and wider global community to enforce accountability, referencing US allegations of deep Rwandan involvement. Current diplomacy has not protected civilians or stopped the atrocities, leaving a dire humanitarian situation as the most urgent problem.
The rights organization documented summary executions and the use of explosive weapons in populated areas during the capture. It notes that all sides, including the Congolese military and its allied militias, have committed violations. This brutal advance happened just after the US brokered a de-escalation deal between Congo and Rwanda, showing the accord's immediate failure.
Researchers state the fighting parties are blocking aid and breaking international humanitarian law. They call for the UN Security Council and wider global community to enforce accountability, referencing US allegations of deep Rwandan involvement. Current diplomacy has not protected civilians or stopped the atrocities, leaving a dire humanitarian situation as the most urgent problem.
