By Reuters
Congo authorities will put at least 75 soldiers on trial on Monday for fleeing the advance of Rwanda-backed M23 rebels into the eastern province of South Kivu and for violence against civilians, including murder and looting, the military prosecutor’s office said on Sunday.
The United Nations has reported mass violations including summary executions, gang rape and sexual slavery in the wake of a major M23 advance in late January that lead to the capture of east Democratic Republic of Congo’s largest city of Goma.
M23 fighters, Congolese soldiers and pro-government militias were all implicated, the U.N. human rights office found.
Congo has not commented on reports concerning its troops, but called on the U.N. to investigate violations it blames on M23 rebels and Rwanda.
Rwanda, which denies backing the group, has rejected any responsibility. M23 rebels have not responded to requests for comment.
Despite announcing a unilateral ceasefire,
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