HRW: M23 Rebels Kill Over 140 People in Eastern Congo

HRW: M23 Rebels Kill Over 140 People in Eastern Congo
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According to a report by Human Rights Watch (HRW), M23 rebels killed more than 140 people in a series of massacres in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in July, Anadolu Agency reported. The killings took place in at least 14 villages and farming areas near Virunga National Park. HRW noted that this could be among the worst atrocities committed by the M23 since late 2021. The rights group also reported that the total number of people killed in the Rutshuru territory during July may exceed 300. The victims included local residents, farmers, women, and children.

The HRW report, citing witness accounts and UN sources, stated that the Rwandan military was “involved in the M23 operations.” The senior Great Lakes researcher at HRW, Clementine de Montjoye, warned that without proper investigation and punishment for those responsible, these atrocities will “only intensify.” The report comes as a peace agreement between the Congolese government and the M23 rebels has been delayed. Both sides have accused each other of repeated ceasefire violations. The UN human rights office had previously reported that M23 rebels killed at least 319 civilians in July in the North Kivu province. The DRC and the UN accuse neighboring Rwanda of supporting the M23, an accusation that Rwanda has denied. The rebel group currently controls significant territory in eastern Congo.