DR Congo: M23 Rebels Kill, Rape Civilians | Human Rights Watch

M23 rebels take position near the town of Mutaho, in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on May 27, 2013 /© 2013 Reuters

Not only is Rwanda allowing its territory to be used by the abusive M23 to get recruits and equipment, but the Rwandan military is still directly supporting the M23. This support is sustaining an armed group responsible for numerous killings, rapes and other serious abuses.

Daniel Bekele, Africa director 

(Goma) – M23 rebels have summarily executed at least 44 people and raped at least 61 women and girls since March 2013 in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Local residents and rebel deserters reported recent forced recruitment of men and boys by the M23 in both Rwanda and Congo.

After a nearly two-month-long ceasefire, fighting resumed on July 14 between the Congolese armed forces and M23 rebels near the eastern city of Goma.

Residents and rebel deserters described recent support from within Rwanda to the abusive M23 forces. This includes regular movements from Rwanda into Congo of men in Rwandan army uniforms, and the provision of ammunition, food, and other supplies from Rwanda to the M23. The M23 has been recruiting inside Rwanda. Rwandan military officers have trained new M23 recruits, and have communicated and met with M23 leaders on several occasions.

FULL ARTICLE HERE: DR Congo: M23 Rebels Kill, Rape Civilians | Human Rights Watch

Jason Stearns' Congo Siasa: What next in Kampala?

Friday, May 17, 2013

What next in Kampala?

News in the Congo has been surprisingly M23-deficient in the past few days. A group of Mai-Mai attacked Beni yesterday, killing several Congolese army officers (although their commander Hilaire has links well- to the M23); Kinshasa prepares for the visit of the United Nations Secretary-General and the head of the World Bank next week; and the country awaits a new head of the election commission (Appollinaire Malu Malu is the favorite, but his Catholic church seems opposed)...............

FULL ARTICLE HERE: Congo Siasa: What next in Kampala?

UN accuses Congolese troops of child rapes - Africa - Al Jazeera English

Bosco Ntaganda, M23 founder, surrendered to the ICC last month after fleeing to the US embassy in Rwanda [AFP]

Congolese troops fleeing the M23 rebels last November raped at least 97 women and 33 girls, some as young as 6, according to a UN report.

The report, released on Wednesday covered "mass rape, killings, and arbitrary executions and violations resulting from widespread looting," UN spokesman Martin Nesirky told reporters.

A report by the UN Joint Human Rights Office said most of the rapes took place over November 22-23 in the eastern Congo town of Minova.

The report states: "One or two of the soldiers would leave with the looted goods and at least one would stand guard as the remaining (Congolese) soldiers raped women and girls in the house. Victims were threatened with death if they shouted; some were raped at gunpoint. Most victims were raped by more than one soldier."

"The victims included 33 girls aged between 6 and 17," Nesirky said...........

UN accuses Congolese troops of child rapes - Africa - Al Jazeera English

IS M23 IMPLODING? DRC Rebels Split into Warring Factions

M23 rebels sit in a vehicle as they withdraw from the eastern Congo town of Goma, Dec. 1, 2012.

M23 DRC Rebels Split into Warring Factions

BBC News - DR Congo: M23's Makenga and Runiga factions 'clash'

 

M23 military chief Col Sultani Makenga is reportedly at loggerheads with other leaders

At least eight people have been killed in the first clashes between rival factions of the M23 rebel group in DR Congo, sources have told the BBC.

The violence was linked to a power-struggle between M23 political leader Jean-Marie Runiga and military chief Sultani Makenga, the sources said.

On Sunday, regional leaders signed a UN-brokered accord to end conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.............

FULL ARTICLE HERE: BBC News - DR Congo: M23's Makenga and Runiga factions 'clash'