Kinshasa: The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has called for an 'urgent' cessation of hostilities between the Congolese army and the AFC/M23 rebel group in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Volker Turk, in a statement, expressed grave concern over the impact of recent clashes on civilians in the South Kivu province and urged for concerted national and international efforts to reduce tensions.
According to Anadolu Agency, the call from the UN rights chief comes amid reports of intensified hostilities between the Congolese armed forces and the M23 group, which is allegedly supported by Rwanda. The conflict is particularly severe in South Kivu's Fizi and Mwenga territories. Local sources have reported that both sides are employing armed drones, heavy artillery, and other explosive weapons in populated areas, resulting in significant civilian casualties and injuries.
Turk emphasized the urgency of the situation by stating, "It is deeply troubling that despite the agreements reached as part of the ongoing peace processes, fighting continues unabated in eastern DRC - killing, injuring and displacing civilians and destroying livelihoods." He called on both parties to immediately cease violence and make meaningful efforts to protect civilians in the affected regions.
Reports have surfaced of the Congolese military alleging that AFC/M23 rebels launched deadly attacks in South Kivu and North Kivu provinces over the weekend, causing significant harm to civilian populations. Despite these challenges, the Congolese military announced on Tuesday that it had regained control of key strategic positions in South Kivu after intense engagements with M23 rebels.
Recent developments highlight a breach in the commitment made by Congo and Rwanda last month to de-escalate tensions in South Kivu, following their meeting during the Joint Oversight Committee in London. The UN has voiced concerns that the ongoing fighting could lead to a humanitarian crisis, with civilians potentially fleeing to neighboring countries and increasing instances of human rights violations.