DRC: UN warns of ‘exceptional gravity’ violence in eastern provinces
On Monday, June 29, an independent United Nations commission presented its findings in Geneva, raising alarm over violence of “exceptional gravity” in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The commission documented sexual violence, illegal executions, and forced recruitment of children. Eastern DRC, rich in natural resources, has been embroiled in conflict for three decades, particularly between the Congolese army and the M23 armed group in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.
A worrying turn for the population
Addressing the Human Rights Council, the commission said it gathered testimonies indicating a severe deterioration of the situation in both provinces, where residents are “vulnerable and unprotected” as the conflict intensifies and public institutions weaken. “The information brought to our attention describes a situation of exceptional gravity,” said commission president Arnauld Akodjenou. He stated that investigators received “deeply troubling testimonies” regarding children, conflict-related sexual violence “including sexual slavery,” forced recruitment, unlawful killings, arbitrary arrests, and attacks on schools and health facilities.
Initial stages of the investigation
Established by the Human Rights Council, the commission is probing alleged violations of international humanitarian law and human rights in the two eastern provinces. The commission emphasized that its inquiries are still preliminary and that it cannot yet directly pronounce “on the nature or scale of the violations, nor draw definitive conclusions.” However, it also noted receiving information about impediments to humanitarian access, mistreatment in detention centers, and threats against human rights defenders and journalists documenting abuses. The experts call on all parties to the conflict to ensure “safe, rapid and unimpeded” humanitarian access and urge the Congolese authorities and the international community to support “credible and independent” investigations and strengthen civilian protection. “The suffering brought to our attention demands more than concern,” Arnauld Akodjenou declared. “It requires sustained attention, rigorous investigation, and determined international commitment.”
