Rwanda-backed M23 rebels executed civilians in DRC: Human Rights Watch
Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) executed at least 21 civilians over two days in February in the eastern city of Goma, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a report published on Tuesday.
The report covers incidents on February 22-23 in a Goma neighbourhood, offering a snapshot of the violence during the latest escalation of the decades-long conflict.
'Commanders and combatants who directly ordered or carried out abuses should be held criminally accountable,' Human Rights Watch said in the report.
M23 rebels have seized eastern DRC's two largest cities, Goma and Bukavu, in an offensive that began in January. The unprecedented advance has killed thousands of people and forced hundreds of thousands to flee.
The 21 slain civilians included six men and one woman shot in the head near Katindo military camp in Goma on February 22. HRW said M23 were responsible, citing a witness.
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