30 Years of War, 30 Years of Impunity in DR Congo By Ida Sawyer Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

30 Years of War, 30 Years of Impunity in DR Congo By Ida Sawyer https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/10/30-years-of-war-30-years-of-impunity-in-dr-congo/ WASHINGTON DC, Oct 15 2026 (IPS) - It has been 30 years since Rwanda-backed rebel forces attacked Lemera hospital in what was then eastern Zaire, killing 37 patients and medical staff. This was one of the first major atrocities during what became known as the First Congo War, helping to unleash decades of foreign-backed rebellions and grave abuses against civilians by all sides, including ethnic-based massacres, widespread rape and sexual violence, forced recruitment of children, abductions, torture, mutilation, and forced displacement. Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -