DR Congo labels M23 rebel attacks on UN peacekeepers as war crimes

The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has classified attacks by M23 rebels on UN peacekeepers as war crimes, said the official government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya.

"Attacking peacekeepers at UN sites constitutes war crimes," Muyaya declared, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

"Moreover, they killed soldiers from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission—SAMIDRC—whose operations are supported by the African Union. This is an assault on the very principles of international law, and such actions cannot go unpunished."

The clashes between M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, and the Congolese military have resulted in the deaths of at least 13 UN peacekeepers and 16 SAMIDRC soldiers.

Muyaya further stressed that the DRC authorities are documenting all war crimes committed by Rwanda on DRC territory to ensure that those responsible "will be held accountable, in one way or another." In his address to the nation, DRC President Félix Tshisekedi reported that 773 people have died, and 2,880 others have been wounded as a result of the fighting between M23 rebels and the Congolese military forces.

To recap, Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have taken control of Goma, the largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), after intense fighting with Congolese forces. The clashes, which began on January 26, resulted in over 100 deaths and nearly 1,000 injuries. Despite a reduction in fighting by January 29, sporadic gunfire continued in northern Goma, leaving the situation tense.

Bertrand Bisimwa, head of M23's political wing, assured on X that their forces were working to secure the city, stating, “Our army is working hard to guarantee total security, complete tranquility and definitive peace.” Meanwhile, residents reported quiet streets, with markets and rush hour traffic absent as M23 and Rwandan forces secured key locations, including the airport.

Rwanda’s regional ambassador, Vincent Karega, confirmed the offensive would not cease, signalling further unrest in the region.

By Aghakazim Guliyev