The Hague, NL, February 28, 2024 – As fighting intensifies in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) between the Congolese army and Rwanda-backed fighters of the Movement of March 23 (M23), Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) urges parties to the conflict to end all deliberate and indiscriminate attacks on civilians. Once again, civilians are the primary victims of armed violence in this part of the country.
Vianney Bisimwa, CIVIC’s Director for Africa and the Middle East, said:
“Civilians have become the de facto targets in Eastern DR Congo. Once again, they are disproportionately affected by the renewed armed clashes. Despite repeated cycles of violence, we see that very little has been done to prevent harm and protect civilians. The Government in DR Congo, primarily responsible for protecting its citizens, must immediately take measures to anticipate, prevent and respond to harm done to civilians.
“This time, we’re particularly alarmed by the escalating use of heavy artillery and shelling in clashes around the city of Goma which poses grave threats to civilian and displaced populations. We reiterate our calls to parties to the conflict to abide by international humanitarian law and take all precautions to avoid targeting civilians.
“We have received reports of civilians fleeing and losing loved ones on the way, trying to find out whether they are still alive. Displaced people who have fled the recent fighting are currently living in the most inhumane conditions, without food or a safe place to sleep. Eastern DR Congo continues to be one of the worst humanitarian crises in modern times with no end in sight.
“We are calling members of the international community to stop economic and political support to all armed groups that are violating international humanitarian law in Eastern DR Congo and to use diplomatic leverage to restart a credible political mediation that prioritizes the protection of civilians in the region.”
For more information and media inquiries, please contact:
In The Hague: Hajer Naili, Director of Communications: [email protected] , +31.6.21.69.68.86/ +1.917.889.5982 (WhatsApp)
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