The United Nations has raised serious concerns over alleged war crimes committed by both the Democratic Republic of Congo’s forces and the M23 rebels, describing the violations as ‘horrific’ and potentially amounting to crimes against humanity. The report, released by the UN secretary-general’s office, highlights a range of atrocities including extrajudicial killings, sexual violence, and the use of child soldiers, all of which have been documented by the UN’s human rights office.
The report calls on the Congolese government and the M23 rebels to cooperate with the ongoing investigation and to ensure the protection of civilians. It also emphasizes the urgent need for international support to address the humanitarian crisis that continues to plague the region. The conflict, which has been raging for over a decade, has resulted in the deaths of thousands of people and displaced millions, making it one of the most complex and devastating conflicts in the world.