DRC: Commission Investigates FARDC Abuses in Kwamouth and Goma

Authorities have set up a commission of inquiry to verify allegations against members of the security forces in North Kivu province in the east and Kwamouth territory in the west. Both regions are rocked by a spiral of violence involving tribal militias, armed groups and the response of security forces. The 30-day renewable commission was instituted by former warlord Jean-Pierre Bemba, current deputy prime minister of national defense and veterans.

The commission was established by former warlord Jean-Pierre Bemba, current Deputy Prime Minister of National Defense and veterans. (Illustrative image) POOL/AFP/File

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With our correspondent in Kinshasa, Pascal Mulegwa

It was following complaints and reports from various partners, both foreign and local, stigmatizing the abuses of certain soldiers engaged in the field that this commission was set up. It is headed by General Arthur Mubenga of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, and includes 20 members from the General Inspectorate of the Army, the General Prosecutor's Office, the Office of Deputy Prime Minister Bemba and a civilian delegate of the presidency.

The ministerial order specifies that they will have to travel quickly to the territory of Kwamouth and the province of North Kivu with the mission of "collecting data, collecting evidence, identifying and hearing alleged perpetrators, possible victims and witnesses".

Human Rights Watch (HRW) warned in late March in a damning report that some members of the Congolese security forces deployed to stem the violence in Kwamouth "have committed extrajudicial executions, looting, and sexual violence."

Convictions were handed down after trials last year and earlier this year, but many organizations called for intensified investigations to bring other soldiers to justice.

>> READ ALSO: DRC: armed attacks resume in the territory of Kwamouth

The village of Kwamouth, in the west of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in the Mai-Ndombe. © RFI

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• DRC
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