The ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reached new depths of tragedy, as a recent report from Human Rights Watch (HRW) documents the harrowing murder of at least 140 civilians by M23 rebels. This reprehensible act is one of the worst instances of violence attributed to the armed group since it resurfaced in late 2021, occurring against the backdrop of a proposed peace process facilitated by the US and Qatar.
Witness testimonies compiled by HRW detail a gruesome scene where M23 fighters allegedly executed local residents, including women and children from the Hutu ethnic group in the Rutshuru area, close to the famed Virunga National Park. Despite the accusations, the M23 vehemently denies involvement in these killings, labeling the claims as a "blatant misrepresentation of facts,” yet they have not commented on the HRW findings.
The massacre is believed to have coincided with an M23 offensive targeting an armed Hutu group, the FDLR, which was established by individuals responsible for the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Furthermore, it's reported that the total number of killings in the area during July could exceed 300, echoing earlier assessments made by the United Nations.
Fighting has intensified since January when M23 forces captured significant territories including the strategic regional capital, Goma. The UN has indicated that thousands have been killed, with many more displaced due to the conflict.
The HRW report reveals disturbing specifics of the attacks. Between July 10 and July 30, M23 rebels reportedly employed machetes and gunfire in raids across at least 14 villages, encircling these areas to prevent local families from escaping. One witness recounted their horror as M23 fighters executed his family, while another survivor described how she narrowly avoided death by falling into a river amidst gunfire.
Further complicating the issue, HRW stated that the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) may have been implicated in the M23's recent operations. Although Kigali has adamantly denied providing military support, it perceives the presence of the FDLR in eastern DRC as a security threat due to its historical ties to the Rwandan genocide.
Despite ongoing regional and international efforts to negotiate peace—including a recent ceasefire agreement between the M23 and the DRC government—violence persists. The M23 has since withdrawn from peace discussions, citing unmet obligations from the Congolese government, although they are open to sending a "technical team" to Doha for further negotiations.
Amidst these growing atrocities, HRW calls for the United Nations Security Council and the European Union, along with other governments, to vocally condemn such grave abuses, impose sanctions against perpetrators, and advocate for legal accountability for those responsible for the conflict.
