War Crimes in Congo

May 14, 2026, 12:10
AfricaInternational

Introduction

A group called Human Rights Watch wrote a report. It talks about bad things in the city of Uvira.

Main Body

The M23 rebels and soldiers from Rwanda took the city. They killed 53 people. These people were men, women, and children. They also hurt many children. This is a war crime. The USA and Europe say Rwanda helps the M23 rebels. They say Rwanda gives them guns and training. But the government of Rwanda says this is not true. The USA helped the leaders of Congo and Rwanda make a peace deal. Because of this, the M23 rebels left Uvira in January. Now, the Congo army is back in the city.

Conclusion

The Congo army has the land again. But many people are still sad and hurt.

Learning

🌍 Talking about People

In the text, we see different ways to group people. To reach A2, you need to know how to identify who is doing what.

The Groups:

  • The M23 rebels → A specific group
  • Soldiers from Rwanda → People from a place
  • The Congo army → A national group

🛠️ Simple Action Words (Past vs. Present)

Notice how the story changes from Then (Past) to Now (Present).

THEN (It happened)

  • Took → They took the city.
  • Killed → They killed people.
  • Left → The rebels left Uvira.

NOW (It is happening)

  • Say → The USA and Europe say...
  • Is → The army is back.

💡 Quick Tip: "This is..."

Use "This is" to explain a situation simply:

  • This is a war crime.
  • This is not true.

It is the fastest way to give your opinion or name a problem in English.

Vocabulary Learning

group
a number of people or things considered together
Example:The group of students went to the park.
city
a large town where many people live
Example:She lives in a big city.
people
individuals who live in a particular place
Example:Many people came to the event.
men
adult male humans
Example:The men worked hard in the garden.
women
adult female humans
Example:The women made delicious food.
children
young people who are not yet adults
Example:Children love to play games.
killed
to cause the death of someone
Example:The hunter killed a deer.
hurt
to cause pain or injury
Example:She hurt her arm while falling.
war
a large conflict between countries
Example:The war lasted for many years.
crime
an illegal act
Example:The crime was punished by law.
say
to speak or express words
Example:He said hello to his friend.
helps
to give assistance or support
Example:She helps her brother with homework.
guns
firearms used to shoot
Example:The soldiers carried guns.
training
practice to improve skills
Example:The training helped him become better.
government
the group that runs a country
Example:The government announced new rules.
true
in accordance with facts or reality
Example:It is true that the sky is blue.
leaders
people who guide or direct others
Example:The leaders met to discuss plans.
peace
a state of calm and agreement
Example:They sought peace after the war.
deal
an agreement between parties
Example:They reached a deal on the price.
left
to go away from a place
Example:She left the house early.
January
the first month of the year
Example:January is cold in winter.
back
returning to a place
Example:He went back to school.
land
the ground or territory
Example:The land was fertile for crops.
sad
feeling unhappy or sorrowful
Example:She felt sad after the loss.
report
a written account of information
Example:He wrote a report about the event.
talks
conversations about a topic
Example:They had talks about the future.
bad
of low quality or harmful
Example:The weather was bad today.
things
objects or matters
Example:He packed his things for travel.
took
to carry or bring
Example:She took the book to the library.
soldiers
people who fight in the army
Example:Soldiers protected the city.
help
to assist or support
Example:Can you help me with this?
helped
assisted in the past
Example:She helped him finish the task.
made
to create or produce
Example:He made a cake for the party.
make
to create or produce
Example:She will make a new plan.
again
once more
Example:Let's try again.
still
continuing to exist or happen
Example:The rain still falls.
called
named or referred to
Example:The book was called 'Adventure'.
wrote
to write in the past
Example:She wrote a letter.