Religious Groups Petition UN over DRC Crises

{{Religious leaders in Rwanda have petitioned the United Nations to distance itself from the recent controversial report by the UN Group of Experts claiming that Rwanda is aiding the M23 rebel group in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).}}

The religious leaders strongly questioned the integrity of the experts, report methodology, and why the so called experts were conclusive yet basing on insufficient evidence.

In a statement to the UN, the clerics expressed their deep concern over the confusion caused by the UN Mapping Report on the DRC (2010) and UN Group of Experts report (2012) about the situation in the Eastern DRC.

In the November 9, statement signed by Rt Rev. Onesphore Rwaje, head of Anglican Church in Rwanda, the clerics called upon the UN to begin a comprehensive, inclusive, and impartial process to finding lasting peace and security in the DRC.

The clerics appealed for immediate humanitarian assistance for Congolese refugees who have been abandoned and considered as second class citizens, calling for their fundamental rights to be protected.

The controversial report accuses Rwanda and Uganda of providing support to M23 in the form of direct troop reinforcement in DRC territory or weapon deliveries among other allegations.

The two countries have repeatedly dismissed the allegations as baseless.