It is critical that Congolese and UN authorities urgently investigate reports of atrocities committed by members of the March 23 Movement (M23), following reports the armed group has withdrawn from several areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) North-Kivu province, including the towns of Kishishe, Bambo and Bugina, Amnesty International said today.

“Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the United Nations, must promptly send investigators to the areas vacated by M23 to carry out thorough investigations into credible allegations of mass rapes and summary killings, to ensure those responsible are brought to justice. This should include all those up in the line of command and any States that may have supported M23,” Amnesty International’s Secretary General Agnès Callamard said.

In February, Amnesty International issued an extended press release in which witnesses from these towns described how M23 fighters, which UN reports say are backed by neighboring Rwanda, committed war crimes and possible crimes against humanity. Rape survivors, and others who were attacked, have yet to receive adequate assistance.

Agnès Callamard said: “The DRC authorities and humanitarian agencies must urgently step in and provide medical and other assistance to the survivors of rape and other victims of violations and crimes who have been left without help for months. The DRC authorities must ensure civilians in the area are protected.”

“While M23 rebels may have withdrawn from some areas in North-Kivu province, civilians living in the Beni area, and neighboring Ituri province, continue to be killed by members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and other armed groups. The DRC authorities must take urgent measures to stop the killing of civilians in these areas.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Amnesty International.