M23 Rebels Execute 140 Civilians in DR Congo Amid Peace Talks

Human Rights Watch reports that M23 rebels killed at least 140 civilians in a recent attack in eastern DR Congo, underscoring the violence that persists despite a supposedly active peace process led by international mediators. The brutal acts include execution of women and children, raising urgent calls for international intervention.

In a harrowing revelation, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has reported that M23 rebels executed at least 140 civilians in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) last month. This incident marks one of the most severe atrocities committed by the armed group since its resurgence in late 2021, occurring against a backdrop of a peace process facilitated by the U.S. and Qatar.

Survivors recounted chilling events during which the Rwanda-backed M23 fighters allegedly “summarily executed” local residents, predominantly from the Hutu ethnic group, in Rutshuru, close to the Virunga National Park. The rebels, however, have categorically denied these allegations, branding them as a “blatant misrepresentation of the facts.” They have yet to respond to HRW’s pressing request for comments regarding the report.

The reported massacre aligns with M23’s campaign aimed at dismantling the armed Hutu group known as FDLR, which was formed by individuals involved in the 1994 Rwandan genocide. HRW’s findings suggest that total fatalities in July may surpass 300, corroborating earlier data released by the UN.

The conflict escalated considerably in January when M23 seized significant territory in eastern DRC, including Goma, the regional capital, spurring further violence that has already claimed thousands of lives and displaced countless civilians, as cited by the UN.

HRW's report details a horrific scene where M23 fighters, wielding machetes and firearms, launched attacks on at least 14 villages and agricultural areas. Accounts from witnesses reveal that the rebels encircled these localities to prevent residents from escaping, resulting in terrifying acts of violence. One local described waking to the presence of M23 fighters at his doorstep, leading to the death of five family members. Another woman recounted witnessing M23 troops executing her husband and subsequently forcing around 70 women and children to sit by a riverbank before firing upon them.

Witnesses further reported that M23 fighters compelled families to hastily bury the bodies or abandon them without a proper funeral, as the bodies were discarded into the Rutshuru River. Anecdotal evidence forming the basis of HRW’s report included testimonies from 25 witnesses, medical professionals, military personnel, and UN workers, alleging that troops from the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) backed the M23 operations.

The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has corroborated some of these claims, estimating that RDF has assisted in the killings of at least 319 individuals across four villages in Rutshuru during the same timeframe.

While Rwanda vigorously defends its stance against providing military assistance to M23, recognizing the group’s Tutsi-majority composition as a potential threat due to the ongoing presence of the Hutu FDLR, tensions remain high.

The violence persists amidst stalled regional and international peace efforts that include an agreement between DRC and Rwanda aimed at neutralizing FDLR. Recently, a ceasefire was signed between M23 and the DRC government, intended to serve as a preliminary step toward lasting peace. However, M23 has since walked away from the negotiations, claiming that the DRC government (Kinshasa) has failed to uphold its commitments under the agreement.

HRW is calling on the UN Security Council, the European Union, and various governments to denounce the grave human rights abuses in eastern DR Congo, advocate for the enforcement of sanctions against those responsible, and demand the arrest and prosecution of implicated military leaders.