M23 rebels detain, attack journalists, civil society activists in DR Congo: Rights group

By James Tasamba

KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) - The Alliance Fleuve Congo, a rebel alliance in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo that includes the M23 rebels, has detained and attacked journalists, critics and civil society activists since capturing the key city of Goma in late January, Human Rights Watch said Wednesday.

The rights group said in a statement that the M23 rebels have raided homes, issued death threats, and threatened reprisals, undermining independent media and the work of civil society groups in North and South Kivu provinces.

It accused the rebels of detaining civil society leaders and committing summary executions, including that of a singer and activist at his home, and five men doing forced labor.

“The Rwanda-backed M23 is harassing and attacking activists, journalists, and peaceful critics in areas the armed group controls in eastern Congo,” said Clementine de Montjoye, senior Great Lakes researcher at Human Rights Watch. “Restoring a measure of normalcy to the captured cities of Goma and Bukavu will mean allowing journalists and civil society activists to do their jobs without threats, violence or worse.”

The rights organization said it interviewed more than two dozen Congolese activists as well as domestic and foreign journalists in Goma, Kinshasa and Bujumbura, and reviewed audio recordings of calls, screenshots of messages, and video and audio recordings of speeches by rebel leaders.

The M23 rejected the allegations as “unfounded and a blatant attempt to spread false information.”

The rebel group has intensified its offensive in eastern Congo since December, capturing Goma and Bukavu.

Last week, the rebels captured Nyabiondo, located 110 kilometers (68 miles) northwest of Goma in North Kivu province, after days of fierce fighting government forces and the pro-government militia, Wazalendo.

The conflict has led to the displacement of thousands of residents to surrounding territories and neighboring countries, according to the UN.

Congo and others accuse neighboring Rwanda of backing the M23 revels. Rwanda has denied the allegations.

The Angolan president’s office announced Tuesday it would mediate talks between the Congolese government and the M23 rebels following President Felix Tshisekedi’s visit to Luanda.

Leaders of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) bloc are due to meet in a virtual extraordinary summit to review the security situation in Congo.