Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, has called for an immediate halt to the use of explosive weapons in civilian areas of eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Türk expressed deep concern over the recent civilian casualties from clashes between the Congolese military and the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group, which have intensified in South Kivu province since 2021. The conflict, rooted in the aftermath of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, has displaced over eight million people amid decades of violence. Both sides are reported to have used armed drones, heavy artillery, and other explosive weapons, causing significant harm to civilians, livestock, and property.
Despite a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States in December aimed at halting hostilities and initiating mineral trade cooperation, fighting continues. Both the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda have accused each other of violating the truce. The UN launched a fact-finding mission in February to investigate serious human rights violations by armed groups in eastern DR Congo, including sexual violence, summary executions, forced disappearances, attacks on journalists, and bombings of refugee camps. Over one million refugees have fled the country, with growing concerns that further displacement could lead to more violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.
Türk urged Rwanda to end its support for M23, which Rwanda denies despite UN-mandated experts presenting substantial evidence of such backing. He also called for Rwanda to withdraw its forces from the DRC and for Congolese authorities to disarm, demobilize, and repatriate members of the Hutu FDLR armed group, linked to Rwandan refugee founders. The High Commissioner appealed to regional and international stakeholders to act promptly to prevent further violence and civilian deaths, emphasizing the obligation under international humanitarian law to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian aid access.