A shocking report from Human Rights Watch (HRW) has revealed that the M23 rebel group in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has killed no fewer than 140 civilians, marking one of the most heinous atrocities since the group’s resurgence in late 2021. This violence has occurred alongside a peace process aimed at ending the long-standing conflict in the region, facilitated by the United States and Qatar.
According to eyewitness accounts collected by HRW, the M23 rebels, alleged to have backing from Rwanda, executed local residents, including women and children predominantly hailing from the Hutu ethnic group, in the Rutshuru area, situated near the Virunga National Park. The rebels have consistently denied these allegations, labeling them as a "blatant misrepresentation of the facts," and have not provided any commentary on the specific HRW report.
The atrocities reportedly occurred between July 10 and July 30, during an offensive against the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo (FDLR), an armed Hutu group associated with the perpetrators of the Rwandan genocide in 1994. HRW estimates that the overall death toll for July could surpass 300, echoing similar findings presented by the United Nations (UN) earlier in the month.
The reported violence escalated sharply in January, as fighting intensified following M23's capture of several key territories, including the eastern regional capital Goma. This ongoing conflict has resulted in thousands of casualties and has displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians, according to UN sources.
HRW’s report indicated that M23 fighters used guns and machetes as they attacked at least 14 villages, employing tactics that blocked all access routes to trap residents. Witness testimonials reveal horrifying scenes of violence; one survivor recounted how he witnessed the murder of his wife and four children during an attack.
Moreover, survivors described the rebels instructing them to bury their loved ones or leave them unburied, thereby complicating the grieving process. Bodies, including those of women and children, were allegedly thrown into the Rutshuru River, hindering potential funerals and memorials.
The report also highlighted the involvement of members of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) in supporting the M23’s aggressive campaign. The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights corroborated claims of RDF's support in the killings, identifying at least 319 casualties across four villages in Rutshuru during mid-July.
While the Rwandan government has denied these allegations vehemently, calling them "sensational" and detrimental to the peace negotiations, it continues to express concerns over security threats posed by the armed Hutu factions operating within eastern DRC.
As regional and international attempts to facilitate peace stall, recent agreements aimed at neutralizing FDLR activities remain unfulfilled. Additionally, a ceasefire deal signed between the M23 and DRC government last month has yet to yield progress, with negotiations suddenly halted as the M23 claims the government has not upheld its commitments.
In light of these egregious violations in eastern DRC, HRW has called upon the UN Security Council, the European Union, and global leaders for swift action to condemn and address the rampant abuses, advocating for accountability through sanctions and legal proceedings against implicated commanders in the conflict.
