Human Rights Watch Reports Shelling of Refugee Camps in Eastern DR Congo

 

Human Rights Watch has released a report accusing Rwandan forces and M23 rebels of shelling refugee camps and populated areas in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) multiple times this year. The NGO claims that the DRC's armed forces and allied militias are endangering the lives of camp residents by placing their artillery close to these locations.

The ongoing conflict in eastern DRC has led to decades of violence, causing millions to be killed or displaced. Many of those displaced reside in eastern provinces like North Kivu, where the M23 group, reportedly supported by the Rwandan military, has taken control of various areas. Currently, over half a million people are living in camps near Goma, the capital of North Kivu, as the rebel group continues to advance.

For the report, researchers interviewed 65 witnesses, camp authorities, and victims in six displacement camps around Goma. They also consulted with 31 humanitarian, diplomatic, UN, and military sources and examined photos, videos of attack sites, and satellite images. The findings revealed five instances since January where Rwandan and M23 forces fired artillery at displacement camps or inhabited areas. One notable incident in May resulted in the deaths of at least 17 civilians, mostly children, after rockets were fired into the 8ème Cepac camp.

Additionally, the report alleges that members of the DRC army, in collaboration with the Wazalendo militia, raped women in and around the camps and shot individuals, leading to further casualties.

Government officials from both Rwanda and the DRC did not respond to requests for comment on the allegations.

Clémentine de Montjoye, a senior Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch, highlighted the dire situation for displaced people around Goma. “Many said they feel stuck between a rock and hard place, facing abuses by all sides despite having fled to Goma in the hopes of finding safety,” she stated. De Montjoye noted that the increasing use of explosive weapons near refugee camps is a relatively new and concerning trend.

There are over a hundred armed groups operating in eastern DRC, and in the past, the UN, US, and EU have imposed sanctions for human rights violations against some of their leaders, as well as against DRC and Rwandan officials who support these groups.

Experts emphasize the urgent need for all parties involved to adhere to international humanitarian law and prioritize civilian protection. Delphin Ntanyoma, a researcher in peace and conflict studies, stressed that military solutions are not sustainable and called for dialogue to address the root causes of the conflict.

The report urges the UN, African Union, and various governments to pressure the conflicting parties to protect civilians.