M23 Rebels Commit Severe Atrocities During Abusive Occupation of Eastern DRC
- Human Rights Research Center
- 13 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Author: Aahana Nagwekar
May 19, 2026
HRRC strongly condemns the work of M23 rebels who have killed over 50 civilians in Uvira. The murder of innocent individuals in addition to lack of treatment and forcible disappearances is severely unjust, and must be combatted by international forces. The HRRC also calls for the Rwandan government to take accountability for assisting the rebels.
In recent days, investigations from the HRW find that M23 rebels and Rwandan soldiers carried out mass atrocities during their occupation of an eastern Democratic Republic of Congo city knows as Uvira, including executions, rape, and forcible disappearance.
In December 2025, both forces officially captured and occupied the city. Since then, both rebels and soldiers have been knocking door to door and abruptly executing men and boys, as well as committing sexual violence. In the process of capturing the city, forces ruthlessly fired at civilians attempting to flee towards safety, separating and harming families. The HRW report further explains that children were also targeted by rebels under the accusation of being pro-government fighters.
Additionally community facilities are scarce, as inhabitants explain that there was virtually no access to proper healthcare, specifically for those who needed to get injuries and wounds treated, as well as treatments to prevent HIV.
In total, the HRW has documented 52 executions, including men, women, and children. Furthermore, M23 rebels have also abducted several civilians, twelve of whose whereabouts are still unknown.
Although Rwanda has consistently denied supporting M23 rebels in any way, whether that be through funding or sending troops, many victims and witnesses claimed to see many of the atrocities being committed by troops in Rwandan uniforms. Moreover, M23 recruits trained under Rwandan supervision and have been supported through the use of Rwandan weaponry. While the Rwandan government has not given a statement on these executions, there is increasing pressure from both the United States as well as European nations.
In order to move forward with combatting these human rights violations, the Rwandan government must recognize and take accountability for the crimes committed, stop their apparent support for M23, as well as work towards saving the innocent civilians in danger.
Glossary
Abducted – the illegal carrying or enticing away of a person
Abruptly – without warning; suddenly or unexpectedly
Accountability – the state of being held liable, or answerable
Atrocities – behaviour or an action that is wicked or ruthless
Denied – held or declared to be untrue
Executing – to murder; assassinate
Forcible – characterized by the use of force or violence
Mass – pertaining to, involving, or affecting a large number of people
Occupation – the term of control of a territory by foreign military forces
Ruthlessly – acting with absolute determination and without pity, compassion, or concern for the feelings of others
Sexual Violence – any sexual act, attempt to obtain a sexual act, or other act of a sexual nature that is committed or attempted by another person without freely given consent
Supervision – the act of overseeing or watching over someone or something
Troops – armed forces
Weaponry – the invention and production of weapons
Whereabouts – the place where a person or thing is
Virtually – for the most part, almost fully
