Rwandan Army and Rebel Forces Accused of Shelling Congolese Civilians – Human Rights Watch

Human Rights Watch reports that the Rwandan army and rebel forces have been accused of shelling civilians in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Explore the latest details on this human rights violation.

Human Rights Watch has accused Rwandan troops and the rebel group M23 of attacking civilians in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

In a report released Thursday, the human rights group said both sides indiscriminately shelled refugee camps and other densely populated areas near Goma, the capital of Congo’s North Kivu province, in 2024.

The United Nations has said Rwandan troops and M23 are fighting together in Congo. Kigali denies the accusations.

Human Rights Watch said it has documented five attacks by Rwandan troops and M23 artillery or rockets on refugee camps and densely populated areas since January 2024.

The group also accuses the Congolese army and its allies of placing artillery near refugee camps, putting civilians at risk. She has called for tougher measures to protect civilians.

The violence has forced more than half a million people into camps around the city of Goma.