M23 claims Congo cut telecoms to hide army abuses
The AFC/M23 rebel movement has accused the Democratic Republic of Congo’s government of shutting down telecommunications networks in the eastern city of Uvira to conceal abuses by the army and its allied militias.
In a statement on Wednesday, Bertrand Bisimwa, deputy coordinator of AFC/M23, said authorities in Kinshasa ordered a communications blackout in Uvira and surrounding areas after government forces and allied militias took control of the city.
He claimed the move was intended to “hush up” alleged abuses committed by the Congolese army and groups fighting alongside it, including local militias known as Wazalendo.
The allegations come following reports of renewed violence, looting and civilian displacement in Uvira following the withdrawal of AFC/M23 fighters from the city on January 15. After the rebels left, government troops, Wazalendo militias and other allied forces entered the city.
Local residents have reported gunfire and widespread looting, with homes, public buildings and places of worship targeted. Some residents, particularly from the Banyamulenge community, have fled the area fearing further violence.
AFC/M23 said it withdrew from Uvira as a gesture of good faith and called on the United Nations to deploy a neutral force to protect civilians and place the city under international responsibility. The Congolese government is yet to respond.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
