Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on authorities in Democratic Republic of Congo to step up efforts to arrest Guidon Mwissa – a rebel commander wanted for multiple crimes.

It is understood that the Congolese judicial authorities had in June 2019 issued an arrest warrant for the militia leader, also known as Guidon, for recruiting child soldiers, and committing crime against humanity of rape in the eastern part of the country.

‘A 2019 arrest warrant has not stopped Guidon from committing horrific abuses against civilians in areas he controls’, Human Rights Watch quoted senior Congo researcher, Thomas Fessy, as saying.

The 40-year-old Guidon is an ethnic Nyanga and former government soldier from Walikale territory who defected in 2007 to become a rebel fighter.

He later joined the Nduma Defense of Congo (NDC) under Ntabo Ntaberi Sheka.

‘His backers within the Congolese army should be investigated and prosecuted for using an abusive group as a proxy force’, Fessy said.

According to Human Rights Watch, Guidon commands a fraction of the Nduma Defense of Congo-Rénové (NDC-R), which until it split in July 2020, controlled more territory than any other armed group in eastern Congo.

‘Congolese commanders have helped Guidon’s rebels control vast swathes of territory despite killing civilians, raping women and girls, and causing massive displacement’,  Fessy said.

‘The Congolese authorities not only need to shut down Guidon, but also all those military officers who have kept him from justice’.

The rights organisation called on the Congolese government to step up efforts to arrest Guidon and end his capacity to commit abuses.

The organisation also urged Congo’s international partners to publicly and privately urge the administration of President Felix Tshisekedi to act.

Source: Human Rights Watch

Photo source: MONUSCO Photos