Rwanda denies backing rebels in Congo civilian massacre

Rwanda on Friday denied claims that M23 rebels, allegedly supported by Kigali, massacred hundreds of civilians in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, calling the accusations “unfounded” and lacking credible evidence.

"The Government of Rwanda firmly rejects the findings ... alleging mass killing of civilians in Binza, Rutshuru territory of the Democratic Republic of Congo by 'M23 supported by the Rwanda Defence Force'," the Rwanda government said in a statement.

Earlier reports, Human Rights Watch, and the U.N. high commissioner for human rights documented the deaths of at least 319 civilians, including women and children, in attacks on four villages from 9 July to 21. Most victims were farmers working in the fields when the attacks occurred.

The ongoing violence in eastern Congo complicates regional stability and undermines efforts to implement a 27 June peace agreement, in which Congo committed to neutralising the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a militia group linked to Rwanda's 1994 genocide. Rwanda maintains its forces operate strictly in self-defence and denies supporting M23 rebels.

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