7,000 dead in DR Congo conflict since January, Prime Minister says

Situation of the displaced people

After the destruction of 90 refugee camps, around 450,000 people are without shelter. This worrying situation requires urgent international attention and support.

The M23 rebels and their impact

The M23 advance represents the most serious escalation in a conflict that has raged in eastern Congo for more than a decade. The rebels' seizure of large areas and valuable mineral deposits has fueled fears of a wider war.

Allegations against Rwanda

Rwanda rejects allegations from Congo, the United Nations and Western powers that the country is supporting the M23 rebels with weapons and troops.

Appeal to the international community

The prime minister called on the world to take action and impose “deterrent sanctions” amid massive displacements and summary executions. “It is impossible to describe the cries and wails of millions of victims of this conflict,” she added.

Human rights situation in the Congo

In introductory remarks at the 58th UN Human Rights Council in Geneva stated UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, that human rights are being “stifled” worldwide and referred to the appalling human rights violations in the DRC.

Criticism of military strategy

Since the beginning of the year, the DRC has faced successive losses in North and South Kivu provinces, which has increased criticism of the authorities' military strategy.