The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has condemned Rwanda-backed M23 rebels for killing children and attacking hospitals and aid warehouses following their seizure of Bukavu.
Volker Türk’s statement on Tuesday confirmed the M23’s summary execution of children after their entry into Bukavu. The presence of child soldiers was also noted.
While specifics weren’t detailed, the UN has previously accused both Congolese forces and the rebels of child recruitment. A commission was recently formed to investigate atrocities committed by both sides since the start of the year, including killings and rapes.
The M23’s capture of Bukavu, a city of 1.3 million, follows their seizure of Goma last month. The fighting in Goma resulted in at least 3,000 deaths and widespread displacement.
The M23 is one of over 100 armed groups vying for control of eastern Congo’s lucrative mineral resources. According to UN experts, approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops support the rebels.
Rwanda alleges Congo’s recruitment of Hutu fighters responsible for the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The M23 claims to protect Tutsis and Congolese of Rwandan origin from discrimination and aims to modernize Congo, a claim critics attribute to Rwandan interests.
Unlike their brief 2012 occupation of Goma, analysts suggest the M23 seeks political power this time.
Decades of conflict have displaced millions, creating a major humanitarian crisis.
Ugandan troops deployed to Bunia, eastern Congo, on Tuesday to assist Congolese forces against armed ethnic groups.