13 11 13 Oxfam – Communities still at risk: Any future military action in eastern DRC must minimize harm to civilians

The
M23 has been defeated militarily and today are set to sign a peace agreement
with the government, but dozens of armed groups remain in eastern DRC, exposing
civilians to daily violence. Government and the UN must ensure that communities
do not become the casualties of any military action against these
groups.

The
defeat of M23 brought an end their 18-month rebellion in eastern DRC, which is
due to be formalized in a joint peace agreement signing with the Congolese
government in Kampala, Uganda today. But with more than 30 other armed groups
active in the region, the conflict is far from over. Any future actions of the
Congolese military, MONUSCO and the UN Force Intervention Brigade against these
groups must prioritize the safety and security of civilians, and ensure they do
not become victims of new conflict.

Oxfam
has been working for many years with communities in eastern DRC,
who have told us that previous operations against armed groups led to human
rights violations and threatened their safety, both as a direct consequence of
operations and also due to ‘reprisal attacks’ carried out by all
sides.

“MONUSCO
and the Congolese government must take clear steps to minimize the negative
impact of operations on civilians, including incorporating a thorough assessment
of risks to civilians in operational planning and implementation, and ensuring
rigorous monitoring and application of appropriate sanctions for any violations
of international humanitarian law by forces,” said Oxfam’s Humanitarian
Coordinator in Goma, Tariq Riebl.

“They
must learn from the outcome of previous operations and not repeat the same
mistakes,”
Riebl said. “Planning must prioritize the mitigation of harm to civilians
before, during and after operations.”

A
military solution to the armed groups alone will not address the structural
causes of conflict in eastern DRC, however. The government must also offer
credible alternatives for those combatants who want to lay down their
arms.

“The
Congolese government needs to rapidly adopt a strong and comprehensive
disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programto
provide alternatives to war and fighting for combatants. Regional governments
and international partners must also support this by resourcing, deploying and
expanding existing mechanisms to encourage voluntary disarmament,” Riebl
said.

This
must also be coupled with a community-centred approach to addressing root causes
of the bloody conflict.

“Alongside
any military action, there must be a political process that addresses
deep-seated issues including land, livelihoods, control of resources and
representation of all communities. Furthermore, the political process must
include local level dialogue to discuss the causes of conflict, community
grievances and the reasons people join and support armed groups,” said
Riebl.

In
parallel to the reintegration of ex-combatants, investigations into human rights
violations
against men, women and children committed by FARDC, PNC and armed groups,
before, during and after operations must be conducted, and those responsible
brought to justice.

The
government of DRC and regional governments must adhere to commitments made under
the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework, signed in February 2013, which
address restoration and consolidation of state authority, Security Sector
Reform, advances around reconciliation, tolerance and
democratization.

“If
these commitments are upheld there is a good chance that all parties can build
on the momentum of the M23 defeat and bring real and lasting peace to the
communities of eastern DRC,” Riebl said.