While many in Congo are likely to celebrate the defeat of the M23, numerous challenges remain. Eastern Congo has been beleaguered by abuses by other armed groups, as well as by the Congolese army itself, which have also been responsible for killings, rapes, and other human rights violations. Going forward, the Congolese government should focus on the following three priorities: · Arrest M23 leaders responsible for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other serious human rights abuses and bring them to justice in fair, credible trials; · Issue explicit orders to all members of the security forces not to carry out revenge attacks or other abuses against members of the Tutsi ethnic group or suspected M23 collaborators. Those implicated in such acts should be promptly brought to justice; and · Together with MONUSCO, address the threat posed by other abusive armed groups, including the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), the Nduma Defense of Congo (NDC) led by Ntabo Ntaberi Sheka, the Raia Mutomboki, and a number of Congolese Hutu militia groups often referred to as Nyatura. As part of these efforts, urgently implement a new Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration program that provides alternative employment opportunities for ex-combatants and ensure that rebel leaders responsible for serious human rights abuses are arrested and brought to justice.
Posted on: Fri, 08 Nov 2013 04:44:10 +0000
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