UN mission in Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC, has said at least 131 civilians have been kill by M23 rebels between November 29-30, in eastern part of the country.
Over 300 people, almost all civilians, had died in M23 attacks in the village of Kishishe in the eastern North Kivu province, says authority in Kinshasa. However, the group had denied being behind the deaths, blaming “stray bullets” for the deaths of just eight civilians.
But the UN’s MONUSCO mission has denied the claim of the rebels, insisted that the victims were killed “as part of reprisals against the civilian population.” The mission said 102 men, 17 women and 12 children were “arbitrarily executed” by bullets or other weapons.
“Eight people were wounded by bullets and 60 others kidnapped. At least 22 women and five girls were raped,” it said.
“This violence was carried out as part of a campaign of murders, rapes, kidnappings and looting against two villages in the Rutshuru territory as reprisals for the clashes between the M23” and other armed groups, the statement said.
The UN findings centred on the neighbouring villages of Kishishe and Bambo. Investigators could not go to the villages because of security concerns, but interviewed 52 victims and witnesses in the town of Rwindi 20 kilometres (12 miles) away.
The mineral-rich east of DR Congo has been restive for years, with numerous militias operating in the area.
M23, who are mostly Congolese Tutsi group, began fighting in late 2021 after staying underground for years, claiming that the DRC had failed to implement a pledge to integrate its fighters into the army, including other grievances.
The comeback of the group rekindled a crisis in eastern DRC and led to a confrontation with neighbouring Rwanda, which Kinshasa accuses of backing the group. Few weeks ago a deal was brokered between the leadership of both countries, which the rebels have played down, saying, it’s not binding on them.
