KIGALI, Rwanda
Amnesty International on Wednesday accused warring factions in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo of committing horrific abuses, including gang rapes, summary executions and abductions.
In its latest investigation, the human rights organization said both the M23 rebels and the Wazalendo, a pro-government militia group, have gang raped women and committed widespread human rights abuses against civilians in eastern Congo.
“The brutality of the warring parties knows no bounds; these atrocities are intended to punish, intimidate and humiliate civilians as each side attempts to assert control,” said Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa.
The M23, which is at the heart of the conflict in eastern Congo, controls significant territory, including the provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu, which it seized earlier this year.
The UN, Kinshasa and others accuse neighboring Rwanda of supporting the rebel group, which Kigali denies.
There was no immediate reaction from the Congolese government or M23 rebels.
But Chagutah said Rwanda and Congo must hold all perpetrators of rights abuse accountable.
The rights organization said it interviewed more than 53 victims and witnesses, including survivors of gang rape, victims of abuse, medical professionals and civil society members.
The organization also reviewed M23 official statements, audio-visual evidence and reports by local and international media and human rights organizations.
The abuses took place in Goma, Bukavu, Rutshuru and Masisi as well as Kalehe territory, mostly between January and May this year.
According to Amnesty International, of the 14 survivors of sexual violence who were interviewed, eight said they were gang raped by M23 fighters and five said they were gang raped by Wazalendo fighters, while one said she was gang raped by Congolese soldiers.
In Bukavu, five M23 fighters gang raped one woman identified only as Beatrice “at an M23 military camp,” the NGO said.
“For the women of eastern DRC, nowhere is safe; they are raped in their homes, in the fields, or camps where they seek shelter. The world must say enough. All warring parties must prioritize the protection of civilians, including women and girls who continue to bear the greatest brunt of this conflict,” said Chagutah.
