{{Amnesty International has asked Democratic Republic of Congo to put an end to the fighting in the east of the country where several local and foreign armed groups are committing abuses.}}
“The DRC government must take urgent steps to stop the violence in the east of the country and hold to account all who have committed human rights abuses, the London-based watchdog said, as the DRC prepares to host a major gathering of Francophone leaders” Amnesty stated.
Audrey Gaughran, Amnesty International’s Africa Director told AFP that “Human rights abuses continue unabated and with total impunity,”
“We are urging member states of International Organisation of Francophonie to ensure that the numerous violations of the values and principles stated in the Francophone Charter and the Bamako Declaration are condemned in the strongest possible terms,” He added.
An Amnesty International delegation has recently returned from eastern DRC, where delegates documented cases of rape, summary killings, forced recruitment of civilians including children, looting and illegal taxation by different armed groups.
“The organisation should use all existing mechanisms to ensure that the Congolese authorities fulfil their obligations as a member state of Francophonie.”
Audrey says the leaders of Francophone nations are assembling in a country where there are daily reports of egregious abuses.They cannot ignore the context in which this major summit is taking place.”
“They have a responsibility to engage with the Congolese authorities and demand action to stop the violence and hold perpetrators to account,” said Audrey Gaughran.
Since conflict began between the Congolese army and the M23 armed group in April 2012, over 226,000 people have been forced to leave their homes in North Kivu province while about 60,000 have crossed the border to seek refuge in Uganda and Rwanda, the statement said.
Amnesty International says it is also concerned about the increase of ethnic-related violence.
Between May and September 2012, the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), the Nyatura and Raia Mutomboki armed groups in Masisi territory specifically targeted civilians who belonged or who were believed to belong to certain ethnic groups.
“Impunity for breaches of international law has become entrenched in the DRC.”
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