The United States has condemned the M23 rebel group for recent kidnappings of hospital patients in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), calling for accountability over human rights violations.
US Ambassador to the DRC, Lucy Tamlyn, denounced the abductions, stating that the rebels’ actions show a blatant disregard for peace and the well-being of local communities. “There is no excuse for these heinous acts,” she wrote on X, reaffirming Washington’s stance on the crisis.
According to a UN report earlier this week, M23 fighters seized over 130 injured and sick men from hospitals in Goma, claiming they were Congolese army soldiers or members of the pro-government Wazalendo militia. However, the rebel group denied the allegations, calling them an attempt to tarnish its image.
Tamlyn dismissed M23’s denial, insisting that the group must be held responsible for its actions. She also reiterated US calls for an immediate ceasefire and respect for Congo’s sovereignty.
The conflict in eastern DRC has escalated since December, with M23 seizing key cities, including Goma and Bukavu. The fall of Bukavu forced South Kivu’s provincial administration to relocate temporarily to Uvira, following President Felix Tshisekedi’s directive.
The fighting has displaced thousands, forcing many to flee to neighboring countries, according to UN reports. The Congolese government and other international actors accuse Rwanda of supporting M23, a claim Kigali denies.
M23 asserts it is defending the interests of minority Congolese Tutsis, alleging they face discrimination due to their ethnic ties to Rwanda’s Tutsi community.
In response to the crisis, Germany has joined the US and UK in imposing financial sanctions on Rwanda over its alleged role in the conflict.