M23 and Rwandan army committed war crimes, HRW report alleges

The M23 rebel group, backed by Rwanda, has been implicated in widespread human rights violations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to a recent report by Human Rights Watch (HRW). The findings reveal a pattern of mass forced recruitment, arbitrary detention, and abuse of civilians in the eastern regions of the country. These allegations emerged amid ongoing conflict between the M23 rebels and the DRC’s national army, the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC). The report highlights the suffering of thousands of individuals who were detained without due process, subjected to physical and psychological abuse, and sometimes executed in mass graves.

According to HRW, the situation escalated significantly after the M23 captured the city of Goma on January 30, 2025. In the days following the takeover, the rebels reportedly organized a large-scale operation to round up civilians. Approximately 1,700 people were transported in 11 trucks from the Unity Stadium in Goma toward Rutshuru. This marked the beginning of a systematic campaign of forced recruitment, during which individuals—ranging from soldiers and police officers to civil servants and ordinary citizens—were apprehended in residential areas, hospitals, and places of worship. Many were taken to detention camps located near Rumangabo and Tshanzu, where they faced harsh conditions and, in some cases, death.

The report, based on over 200 interviews with former detainees, indicates that hundreds of people perished in these camps throughout 2025. Satellite imagery has confirmed the presence of mass graves in the area, while witnesses have described instances of torture, sexual violence, and other forms of abuse. HRW further notes that the Congolese government has allegedly provided logistical and financial support to certain armed groups, including the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) and the Wazalendo faction, both of which have been accused of committing similar atrocities against displaced populations around Goma.

The involvement of the Rwandan military in supporting the M23 rebels adds another layer of complexity to the conflict. While Rwanda has consistently denied direct participation in the violence, HRW asserts that its military has played a role in training and equipping the M23. This alleged collaboration has fueled accusations that Rwanda is indirectly enabling the commission of war crimes. The report calls on the DRC government to immediately halt all material support to these armed groups and to initiate independent investigations into the actions of all parties involved.

The humanitarian impact of the conflict has been severe. Thousands of civilians have been displaced, many of whom continue to live in precarious conditions. Some have sought refuge in neighboring countries, while others remain trapped in the conflict zones, unable to return to their homes. The situation has drawn international condemnation, with several organizations urging the governments of Rwanda and the DRC to take immediate action to protect civilian lives and uphold international law.

As the conflict continues, the future remains uncertain. While there have been occasional ceasefire agreements, they have often been short-lived. The lack of political will to address the root causes of the conflict—such as ethnic tensions, resource exploitation, and regional instability—has contributed to the prolonged nature of the crisis. International actors, including the African Union and the United Nations, have called for renewed diplomatic efforts to bring about lasting peace. However, progress has been slow, and the risk of further escalation remains high.

In the absence of clear accountability and resolution, the victims of the M23 and associated armed groups continue to suffer. Their stories highlight the urgent need for justice, protection, and sustainable peace in one of the world’s most volatile regions. As the situation evolves, the international community will be watching closely to see whether pressure can lead to meaningful change.