Explosions targeted two camps for displaced people in eastern Congo, resulting in the deaths of at least 12 individuals, including children. The United Nations has labeled these attacks as a clear violation of human rights and international humanitarian law, potentially constituting war crimes.
In the past two years, the M23 rebel group has intensified its offensive, bringing it closer to the eastern city of Goma. As a result, thousands of people have sought refuge in Goma from the conflict in the surrounding areas.
During an attack, shells struck near a busy marketplace at one of the camps, causing injuries to dozens of individuals, primarily women and children. The exact death toll remains uncertain.
According to Jean Jonas Yaovi Tossa, a UN spokesperson, the attacks resulted in the deaths of at least 12 individuals and left more than 20 others injured.
Lieutenant Colonel Ndjike Kaiko, a spokesperson for the Congolese army, attributed the bombings to the M23 rebel group, which is suspected of having connections with neighboring Rwanda.
Despite a statement posted on X, the M23 rebel group has denied any involvement in the attacks and instead pointed fingers at the Congolese forces. In response to the bombings, Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi, who was traveling in Europe, made the decision to return home on Friday, as reported by his office.
Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi has consistently claimed that Rwanda is destabilizing the Democratic Republic of Congo by supporting the M23 rebels. This assertion has been met with denial from Rwanda. Additionally, both UN experts and the US State Department have accused Rwanda of providing backing to the rebel group.
During a recent joint press conference in Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron urged Rwanda to cease its backing of the M23 group.
In the wake of the M23 group’s takeover of the strategically important mining town of Rubaya this week, bombings have escalated. Rubaya is known for its tantalum deposits, which are extracted from coltan—a crucial material used in smartphone manufacturing.
The United States issued a strong condemnation of the bombings, attributing the attack to positions controlled by both the Rwandan Defense Forces (RDF) and the M23 rebel group. The US expressed serious concern about the recent expansion of RDF and M23 influence in eastern Congo.
“[We] call on both parties to respect human rights and adhere to applicable obligations under international humanitarian law.”
The prolonged conflict in eastern Congo has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis, ranking among the most dire globally. More than 100 armed groups are engaged in combat within the region, primarily vying for territorial control and access to valuable mineral mines.
Numerous individuals are engaged in defending their communities. Multiple factions face allegations of perpetrating mass killings, sexual assaults, and other human rights violations.
As a result of this violence, approximately seven million people have been displaced, with many of them beyond the reach of humanitarian assistance.
ALSO READ | Deadly Mosque Attack in Afghanistan Claims Lives of At Least 5
