(MENAFN) Amnesty International has voiced strong concerns over the recently signed peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, stating that the deal fails to ensure justice for victims of serious crimes committed in eastern DRC.

The agreement, signed on June 27 by the foreign ministers of both countries in Washington, D.C., has been welcomed by officials as a step toward ending the violent conflict in eastern Congo. The pact also includes a commitment to cease hostilities between the two nations' military forces.

However, Amnesty International issued a statement criticizing the deal for omitting any measures to investigate and prosecute those responsible for human rights violations. The organization warned that failing to address these crimes only perpetuates cycles of violence in which civilians continue to suffer.

“Without addressing impunity for the horrific crimes committed in eastern DRC, the agreement missed an opportunity to decisively tackle a long-standing driver of the conflict,” said Agnes Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International.

Amnesty further reported that despite the peace deal, it has received credible information indicating that M23 rebels remain active, continuing to engage in clashes with pro-government militia groups known as the Wazalendo in North and South Kivu provinces—fighting that has led to civilian deaths.

The organization also noted ongoing reports of the M23 abducting young men and taking them to undisclosed locations.

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