United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has called on the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group to immediately cease hostilities following a fresh surge in attacks that has killed civilians, displaced families and intensified fears of an even deeper humanitarian crisis in the country’s conflict-ridden east.

The appeal coincides with fresh violence in South Kivu province, where armed drones and other explosive weapons have reportedly been used in heavily populated civilian areas, along with heavy artillery fire between government troops and M23 fighters.

UN Human Rights Chief expressed concern about the worsening security situation, noting that continuing regional and international peace efforts to put an end to years of strife in eastern Congo are threatened by the conflict.

“It is deeply troubling that despite the agreements reached as part of the ongoing peace processes, fighting continues unabated in eastern DRC killing, injuring and displacing civilians and destroying livelihoods.”
Volker Türk

In a region that has experienced decades of instability driven by armed groups, ethnic tensions, and competition over the country’s enormous mineral resources, the most recent escalation underscores the frailty of efforts to restore peace.

The conflict’s current phase began in 2021 when the M23 movement, an armed organization primarily made up of ethnic Tutsi combatants and widely believed by the UN to get help from neighbouring Rwanda, renewed its uprising against the Congolese government.

Despite numerous reports by UN-mandated experts indicating military and logistical support, Rwanda has repeatedly denied supporting the group.

The roots of the conflict extend even further, tracing back to the aftermath of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Since then, eastern Congo has remained plagued by cycles of violence involving dozens of armed groups competing for territory, political influence and control of lucrative natural resources.

The prolonged insecurity has produced one of the world’s largest displacement crises. More than eight million people have been displaced over the years by repeated outbreaks of fighting, while humanitarian agencies continue to struggle to reach vulnerable communities living in conflict zones.

Violence has persisted virtually unabated despite the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda signing a ceasefire deal mediated by the United States in December that aims to end hostilities and enhance collaboration, especially on the management of vital natural resources.

Since then, both governments have accused one another of breaking the ceasefire agreements, casting doubt on the sustainability of diplomatic initiatives.

Concerns that humanitarian situations could quickly worsen if the war extends to other areas have been heightened by the increased violence in South Kivu. UN claims that explosive weapons are being used more frequently in inhabited areas, endangering civilians and destroying vital infrastructure that is necessary for day-to-day existence.

The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights warned that attacks involving heavy artillery, drones and other explosive weapons have caused widespread destruction, affecting homes, agricultural activities and local economies already weakened by years of instability.

The humanitarian consequences are expected to extend well beyond the immediate conflict zones. More than one million refugees have already fled the Democratic Republic of the Congo, while millions more remain internally displaced, many surviving in overcrowded camps with limited access to food, healthcare and clean water.

Mr. Türk cautioned that continued military operations risk forcing even more civilians to flee, potentially exposing them to further human rights abuses and violations of international humanitarian law.

“Both parties to the conflict and their allies have clear obligations under international humanitarian law to ensure safe, rapid and unhindered access to humanitarian aid to all those in need.”
Volker Türk

UN Calls for Regional Action as Peace Efforts Come Under Renewed Pressure

Only a few months have passed since the UN launched a fact-finding mission to look into allegations of grave human rights abuses by armed groups operating throughout eastern Congo.

The investigation, which was started in February, is looking into claims of sexual assault, summary executions, forced disappearances, attacks on journalists, and bombing of refugee camps violations that have been denounced internationally on numerous occasions.

Human rights activists caution that civilians will probably continue to bear the brunt of the battle unless the most recent escalation is stopped.

Moreover, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights urged Rwanda to end any support for the M23 armed group and withdraw its military personnel from Congolese territory.

UN has repeatedly cited evidence gathered by independent experts indicating Rwandan involvement in support of M23 operations, allegations that Kigali has consistently rejected.

Concurrently, the UN Human Right Chief urged the Congolese government to fulfil its security responsibilities by demobilising, disarming, and repatriating members of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), an armed group primarily made up of Hutu fighters, including those connected to the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide in 1994.

Volker Türk also appealed to regional organisations and the wider international community to intensify diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing further violence and protecting civilians caught in the conflict.

The appeal comes as international mediators continue efforts to preserve fragile peace agreements that have struggled to survive repeated violations on the ground.

Despite diplomatic initiatives involving African regional blocs and international partners, the violence has continued to undermine confidence in negotiated solutions.