M23 Rebels Commit Atrocities in Eastern DR Congo: Human Rights Watch

In a shocking report, Human Rights Watch details that M23 rebels have killed at least 140 civilians in eastern DR Congo amid a stalled peace process. Eyewitness accounts describe horrific acts of violence against local Hutu populations, raising urgent calls for intervention from international bodies.

M23 rebels have reportedly executed at least 140 civilians in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo during one of the most brutal offensives by the group since its return to conflict in late 2021, according to a new report by Human Rights Watch (HRW). This violence has occurred in spite of ongoing peace negotiations mediated by the US and Qatar aimed at curtailing the region's entrenched conflict.

Incidents took place primarily in the Rutshuru area near the Virunga National Park, where the Rwanda-supported rebels allegedly executed local residents, which include women and children from the Hutu ethnic group. Witnesses have described alarming accounts of “summary executions,” although the M23 has consistently denied any involvement, labeling the accusations as a “blatant misrepresentation.”

This latest surge in violence is reportedly linked to the M23's attack on the Hutu militia, FDLR, which was founded by those responsible for the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The conflict, escalating sharply since January with M23’s seizure of significant territories including Goma, has led to thousands of deaths and mass displacement, with UN estimates suggesting the total number of civilian casualties may exceed 300 in July alone.

The HRW report indicates that from July 10 to 30, M23 fighters utilized machetes and firearms in brutal attacks across at least 14 villages around Virunga. Eyewitness accounts reveal chilling instances where armed rebels blocked escape routes to ensure civilians could not flee. One individual recounted how multiple family members were murdered while another spoke of witnessing the murder of a spouse and children, indicating the shocking brutality faced during these attacks.

Local communities reportedly felt pressured to bury bodies hastily or leave them unburied, with M23 forces even discarding corpses in the Rutshuru River. The HRW report cites multiple witnesses, including medical professionals and military personnel, asserting that members of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) provided direct support to M23's operations. Although Rwanda has denied these allegations as "gratuitous," a UN report corroborates claims of RDF involvement.

The humanitarian situation is growing more desperate, with regional and international peace initiatives faltering. A recent ceasefire agreement between the M23 and the Congolese government aimed to establish a framework for lasting peace. Yet, just as negotiations were set to resume, the M23 retreated from the talks, claiming the Congolese government failed to uphold the terms of the peace agreement. Meanwhile, the Congolese military has accused the M23 of breaching the ceasefire.

HRW has called upon the UN Security Council and other international entities to denounce the severe human rights violations in eastern DR Congo, demanding sanctions against those responsible and the arrest of key military leaders implicated in these atrocities.