DR Congo Condemns Massacre of Civilians by M23 Rebels

DR Congo Condemns Massacre of Civilians by M23 Rebels
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The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has strongly condemned the massacre of over 300 civilians in the country’s eastern region, which was allegedly carried out by M23 rebels in July. According to a UN Human Rights Office report, the killings occurred despite a recent ceasefire agreement signed in Doha, according to a report by Anadolu Agency.

A statement from the DRC’s Communication Ministry described the massacre as a “flagrant violation” of the peace deal, drawing comparisons to a similar incident in Kishishe in 2022. The victims, many of whom were women and children, were described as defenseless civilians who were summarily executed.

In response, the government has vowed to investigate the atrocity and bring those responsible to justice. Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya emphasized that “no peace process can prosper in silence in the face of horror.” The M23 rebels, who currently control significant territory in eastern Congo, have also accused the Congolese military of their own ceasefire violations. The UN and others have accused Rwanda of supporting the M23, an accusation that Kigali denies.