What's happened
The UN has released reports detailing war crimes committed by all sides in Sudan and the DRC. In Sudan, both the army and RSF are accused of crimes against civilians, including murder and sexual violence. In the DRC, all parties, including M23 and Rwandan-backed forces, are implicated in atrocities since late 2024. The reports call for international accountability.
What's behind the headline?
The UN reports reveal a disturbing pattern of widespread atrocities committed by all parties involved in Sudan and the DRC conflicts. In Sudan, the RSF's siege of El-Fasher involved crimes against humanity, including murder, torture, sexual violence, and starvation tactics aimed at civilians. The investigators emphasize that both sides have targeted civilians based on ethnicity, political views, and gender, with detention centers likened to 'slaughterhouses.' This underscores a deliberate strategy of terror and ethnic persecution.
In the DRC, the report confirms that the M23 armed group, supported covertly by Rwandan forces, has committed summary executions, torture, and sexual violence, including gang rape against women. The DRC military and allied militias also perpetrate grave violations. The findings suggest that these abuses may constitute crimes against humanity, marking a significant escalation in the international community's understanding of the conflict.
The timing of these reports, amid ongoing peace negotiations and international scrutiny, indicates a push for accountability. The detailed documentation and the call for justice will likely intensify diplomatic pressure on the involved governments and armed groups. The reports also highlight the importance of addressing the root causes of ethnic and political violence to prevent future atrocities. Overall, these revelations will shape future UN and international responses, emphasizing the need for sustained pressure and intervention to protect civilians and uphold human rights.
What the papers say
The reports from The New Arab, AP News, and Al Jazeera collectively paint a comprehensive picture of ongoing atrocities in Sudan and the DRC. The New Arab provides detailed accounts of war crimes by both the Sudanese army and RSF, emphasizing the brutal siege of El-Fasher and ethnic persecution. AP News highlights the broader regional context, noting the responsibility of both Sudanese governments and the international community, and underscores the horrific nature of the crimes since late 2024. Meanwhile, Al Jazeera focuses on the eastern DRC, revealing that all sides, including Rwandan-backed M23 and DRC forces, have committed serious violations, with credible allegations of Rwandan support for M23. The contrasting emphasis on regional responsibility and the detailed descriptions of specific abuses deepen understanding of the conflicts' complexity. The UN's consistent call for accountability and justice echoes across all sources, reinforcing the urgency of international action.
How we got here
The conflicts in Sudan and the DRC have escalated over recent years, with multiple armed groups involved. In Sudan, fighting between the army and RSF has led to thousands of deaths and widespread displacement. In the DRC, the resurgence of M23 and Rwandan support has prolonged violence, especially in eastern regions, causing a humanitarian crisis. The UN reports highlight the scale of abuses and the need for justice.
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Common question
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What War Crimes Are Being Committed in Sudan and the DRC?
Recent UN reports reveal alarming details about war crimes in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Both regions are experiencing severe atrocities committed by various armed groups, leading to widespread suffering and international concern. Curious about what specific crimes are happening, how the global community is responding, and what this means for civilians? Below, we explore the key questions surrounding these ongoing conflicts and the quest for justice.
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The M23 rebellion was an armed conflict in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, that occurred between the March 23 Movement and government forces between 4 April 2012 and 7 November 2013.
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The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.