A United Nations investigation has found that both the Rwanda-backed M23 militia and the Congolese military, along with their affiliated armed groups, have committed serious human rights violations in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, some of which may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The fact-finding mission, mandated by the UN Human Rights Council, examined the situation in North and South Kivu provinces and concluded that all parties to the conflict have engaged in abuses since late 2024. These include summary executions, widespread sexual violence, and other grave breaches of international law.
Eastern DR Congo, a resource-rich region bordering Rwanda, has endured decades of violence driven by non-state armed groups. The M23, which resumed its insurgency in late 2021 with Rwandan support, has seized large areas of territory, sparking a deepening humanitarian crisis. Earlier this year, the group captured the strategic cities of Goma and Bukavu, establishing its own administrations.
Despite a June peace agreement between the Congolese and Rwandan governments, and a separate July declaration with the M23 pledging a “permanent ceasefire,” fighting has persisted. The UN report urged both governments to ensure their forces and allied militias comply with international law and to end any support for armed groups.
Investigators documented failures by all sides to protect civilians, including during the fall of Goma, as well as attacks on schools and hospitals. The report cited reasonable grounds to believe M23 fighters committed crimes against humanity such as murder, torture, rape, sexual slavery, and unlawful detention. It also detailed violations by the Congolese army and pro-government militias like the Wazalendo, including deliberate killings, looting, and systematic sexual violence.
UN human rights chief Volker Turk described the atrocities as “horrific” and called for prompt, independent investigations to ensure accountabilities for all perpetrators.
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