In one of the world’s most violent and tragic conflicts, it appears that no one’s hands are clean.

• The UN just released a controversial report about the conflict in Congo from 1993 – 2003, and the picture it paints of certain foreign governments is causing political conflict.
• The report accuses several African nations of committing serious crimes during the conflict. Rwanda in particular has expressed outrage that its military forces were accused of committing genocide.
• In response, Rwanda and Uganda have both threatened to remove their peacekeeping forces from neighboring countries like Darfur and Somalia, where they are helping to maintain order.

Facts & Figures

The report accuses several nations of committing war crimes with their military forces:

• Uganda – torturing civilians
• Rwanda – hunting down refugees
• Angola – raping women, looting hospitals
• Zimbabwe – conducting deadly air raids
• Chad – setting fire to homes

Best Quote

“The systematic and widespread attacks described in this report reveal a number of damning elements that, if proven before a competent court, could be classified as crimes of genocide.” – Excerpt from the 566-page report issued by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

Tags: Africa, conflict, Congo, genocide, Rwanda, United Nations, war