Use of explosive weapons ‘must stop’ in eastern DR Congo: Türk

Türk Calls for End to Explosive Weapons Use in Eastern Congo Conflict

Use of explosive weapons must stop - Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, issued a pressing appeal on Thursday for both the Democratic Republic of the Congo's military and the Rwanda-supported M23 rebel faction to halt their ongoing military operations. This urgent call came following a series of civilian casualties that have occurred in recent days across the war-torn region.

The current phase of violence in eastern DRC commenced in 2021, when the M23 militia—backed by Rwanda and led by Tutsi commanders—resumed armed opposition against the Congolese national army. This renewed conflict represents a continuation of tensions that originated with the devastating 1994 genocide against Tutsi populations in neighboring Rwanda. Over the course of several decades of intermittent warfare, more than eight million individuals have been forced to abandon their homes and seek refuge elsewhere.

Recent months have witnessed a significant intensification of hostilities within South Kivu province. Both the Congolese armed forces and M23 fighters have deployed advanced military technology, including armed drones and heavy artillery systems, alongside conventional explosive ordnance. These weapons have been utilized extensively in densely populated civilian zones, resulting in numerous deaths among local populations and livestock, while simultaneously causing widespread destruction of residential properties.

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.

Mr. Türk expressed particular concern regarding the persistence of violence despite multiple diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace. The international community has witnessed numerous attempts to broker ceasefires and establish frameworks for cooperation between the warring parties.

A significant diplomatic milestone occurred in December when the United States facilitated the signing of a ceasefire agreement between the DRC and Rwanda. This arrangement sought not only to halt military hostilities but also to initiate collaborative efforts concerning the mineral trade, which has historically been a source of both economic opportunity and conflict in the region. Nevertheless, combat operations have persisted, with each side lodging accusations against the other regarding violations of the agreed terms.

In response to escalating concerns, the United Nations initiated a comprehensive fact-finding mission during February. This investigative body has been tasked with examining serious human rights abuses perpetrated by various armed factions operating in eastern DRC. The preliminary findings have documented numerous violations, including sexual violence against civilians, summary executions without due process, forced disappearances of individuals, targeted attacks against journalists covering the conflict, and the bombing of camps housing displaced populations.

The use of explosive weapons with wide-area effects in populated areas has devastating consequences and must stop.

While over one million refugees have already sought safety outside the Central African nation, Mr. Türk warned that the displacement crisis may intensify further. He cautioned that additional waves of civilian movement could trigger even more severe violations of international humanitarian law and human rights standards.

Both parties to the conflict and their allies have clear obligations under international humanitarian law to ensure safe, rapid and unhindered access to humanitarian aid to all those in need.

The High Commissioner outlined specific recommendations for all parties involved. He called upon Rwanda to terminate its military support for the M23 group, a position that Kigali continues to reject despite compelling evidence presented by UN-mandated experts who have been closely monitoring developments in the region.

Furthermore, Mr. Türk emphasized that Rwanda must withdraw its military personnel from Congolese territory. Simultaneously, he urged Congolese authorities to undertake the demobilization, disarmament, and repatriation of members belonging to the FDLR armed group. This Hutu-majority organization, whose founding members were refugees who fled Rwanda following the 1994 genocide, has been implicated in various security incidents across eastern DRC.

Looking beyond immediate military considerations, the UN human rights chief appealed to regional stakeholders and the broader international community to take swift action. He stressed that prompt intervention remains essential to prevent additional violence and civilian fatalities in South Kivu province, where the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate despite diplomatic efforts.