Amnesty International has released a report detailing grave human rights abuses committed by the Allied Forces of the Congo and M23 (AFC/M23) against artisanal miners in the North and South Kivu provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The report documents the execution, torture, forced labor, and forced recruitment of minors. Amnesty International gathered testimony from 26 individuals and analyzed photographs and videos to support its findings.
According to Amnesty International, 18 artisanal miners were killed on two sites: Rubaya in North Kivu and Lomera in South Kivu. Ten of the victims were beaten to death, two were killed by gunshot, and six were found dead after being abducted. The organization also reported that 16 miners and residents were subjected to torture or other ill-treatment.
Amnesty International described a pattern of exploitation and coercion at the mining sites controlled by the AFC/M23. At Rubaya, over 20 workers were allegedly detained in an underground cell and beaten repeatedly each day. Some minors were forced to work underground for over a week, while others were threatened with being sent to M23 military training centers if they did not pay a ransom for their release.
The report also accused the AFC/M23 of involvement in the trafficking of minerals, including gold and coltan, to Rwanda. Amnesty International claimed that sacks of gold-bearing soil were transported by boat from Lomera to Kamembe in western Rwanda. The AFC/M23 and Rwandan authorities did not respond to Amnesty International's requests for comment.
The human rights abuses and mineral trafficking have raised concerns about the activities of the AFC/M23 in the region. The group has been accused of various atrocities, including the recruitment of child soldiers and the exploitation of natural resources. The situation in eastern DRC remains volatile, with multiple armed groups operating in the area.
Amnesty International's report highlights the need for urgent action to protect artisanal miners and prevent further human rights abuses. The organization called on the AFC/M23 and other parties to ensure that those responsible for the abuses are held accountable. The situation in eastern DRC requires a comprehensive and coordinated response from governments, humanitarian organizations, and human rights groups.
The international community has expressed concern about the situation in eastern DRC, with some experts calling for increased pressure on the AFC/M23 to cease its activities. The United Nations and other organizations have been working to address the humanitarian crisis in the region, but more needs to be done to protect civilians and prevent further abuses.
Key points
- Amnesty International accused the AFC/M23 of grave human rights abuses against artisanal miners in North and South Kivu provinces.
