Un sounds alarm over exceptional gravity of violence in eastern RDC

The situation in the eastern regions of the République démocratique du Congo (RDC) has reached a state of “exceptional gravity.” In a recent briefing in Genève, a commission of inquiry highlighted a harrowing surge in human rights violations, including summary executions, widespread sexual violence, and the forced recruitment of children into armed groups.

For three decades, the eastern part of the RDC, particularly the provinces of Nord-Kivu and Sud-Kivu, has been a battleground for control over vast natural resources. Currently, the conflict primarily involves the Congolese national army and the M23 rebel movement, leaving local populations caught in a cycle of relentless instability.

A population left without protection

Testimonies gathered by the commission reveal a catastrophic decline in security. Civilians in these provinces are increasingly vulnerable as public institutions crumble under the weight of intensified fighting. Arnauld Akodjenou, president of the commission, emphasized that the evidence received is deeply distressing. Reports include accounts of sexual slavery, unlawful killings, arbitrary detentions, and deliberate strikes against healthcare facilities and schools.

Ongoing investigations and humanitarian challenges

While the commission is still in the early stages of its mandate, the preliminary findings are stark. Investigators are currently documenting various breaches of international humanitarian law, though they specify that definitive conclusions regarding the full scale of these atrocities are yet to be finalized. Beyond physical violence, there are reports of severe restrictions on humanitarian aid, mistreatment within detention centers, and intimidation of journalists and human rights defenders attempting to expose the truth.

The commission is calling for an immediate end to these abuses and urging all warring parties to allow safe, unhindered access for humanitarian workers. There is a pressing need for the Congolese authorities and the international community to facilitate transparent, independent investigations to ensure accountability and provide better protection for the civilian population. The level of suffering documented requires more than just concern; it demands a resolute and coordinated global response.