Human Rights Watch says the Rwandan army, alongside M23 rebels, committed killings IN CONGO

Added: 2026-05-16

[00:00:00]Human Rights Watch reports that the Rwanda army together with M23 rebels committed killings, rapes, and enforced disappearances during their occupation of URA in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo between late 2025 and early 2026. According to the report, in just a few weeks, these forces executed at least 53 people in summary killings, raped at least eight women and girls, and forcibly disappeared 12 others. They shot at civilians fleeing for their lives and went doortodoor hunting down men and boys simply because they were suspected of opposing them. These abuses took place during a month-long occupation of Uva before the rebels withdrew under growing international pressure, particularly from the United States. The United States has already imposed sanctions on the Rwanda Defense Force and senior officials for supporting M23. Yet, the killing continues. Despite all mediation efforts, the Rwanda Army and M23 only withdrew from parts of South Ku after intense pressure, pulling back just 30 km. Fighting continues across eastern DRC with M23 rebels and the Rwanda army still destabilizing the region. Late last week, M23 fighters withdrew from several positions in South Ku, retreating further north from areas near Uva.