The European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, has expressed significant challenges in pinpointing the exact individuals or groups responsible for abuses in Uvira, a town in eastern DR Congo, after the withdrawal of the AFC/M23 rebel forces. This statement comes in light of a worsening humanitarian crisis attributed to the actions of these rebel groups in South Kivu, where Lahbib stated that the situation has been exacerbated by a multitude of different actors involved in the conflict.

As the AFC/M23 withdrew from Uvira on January 17, Lahbib noted that the environment has become increasingly chaotic, resulting in accusations against various local militias, particularly the Wazalendo militias that are allied with the Congolese army. Reports indicate that in the power vacuum left by the rebels, incidents of looting and the persecution of the local Banyamulenge population have surged, raising concerns over who is truly accountable for these crimes. This situation reflects the complexity of the ongoing conflict in the region, where multiple factions and interests complicate the narrative surrounding the violence.

Lahbib's visit to Kigali, following talks in Burundi with President Ndayishimiye and a trip to a camp for Congolese refugees, underscores the international response to the humanitarian crisis in the region. Her comments highlight not only the challenges faced in understanding the dynamics of violence in the area but also the urgent need for comprehensive assessments of the humanitarian and security implications of the conflict. As international actors continue to engage in discussions about resolving the crisis, the need for a coordinated response remains imperative, given the fragile and volatile situation in eastern DR Congo.