M23 Rebels Allegedly Kill 140 Civilians in Eastern DR Congo Amid Peace Efforts

Mon Oct 20 2025 09:30:04 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Despite ongoing peace negotiations, Human Rights Watch reports a horrific massacre in the Democratic Republic of Congo, highlighting the plight of civilians.

A recent Human Rights Watch report claims that M23 rebels killed at least 140 civilians in eastern DR Congo last month, revealing the dire situation despite peace talks facilitated by the US and Qatar. Witness testimonies detail brutal attacks on local residents, including women and children, exacerbating the region's already tumultuous conflict.

M23 rebels have been accused of committing one of the worst massacres in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), allegedly killing at least 140 civilians in July 2023, according to a report by Human Rights Watch. This violence occurred even as a peace process—brokered by the United States and Qatar—was underway, aimed at bringing an end to the protracted conflict afflicting the region.

The report details harrowing accounts from witnesses in the Rutshuru area, close to the Virunga National Park, where the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels reportedly executed local residents, predominantly from the Hutu ethnic group. The armed group has vehemently denied any involvement, labeling these allegations a "blatant misrepresentation." However, they did not respond to Human Rights Watch's request for commentary related to the findings.

The reported atrocities took place during an M23 offensive targeting the Hutu militia known as the FDLR, which was established by individuals associated with the Rwandan genocide in 1994. A cumulative assessment suggests that total fatalities in the region during July could surpass 300, echoing similar conclusions by the United Nations.

Conflict escalated earlier this year, particularly in January, when M23 forces captured vast territories in the mineral-rich eastern region, including the strategic capital of Goma. This violence has resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians, underscoring the escalating humanitarian crisis.

Human Rights Watch’s report alleges that M23 militants used guns and machetes to attack numerous villages across Rutshuru between July 10 and 30. Eyewitnesses recounted devastating scenes of violence, including the execution of families, coercion to bury the dead without proper ceremonies, and the chilling sight of bodies being discarded into the Rutshuru River. The findings cite various testimonies and evidence from medical personnel and representatives from the UN.

The report also mentions that soldiers from the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) provided support to the M23 during these attacks. While Kigali has not officially replied to the charges, it has consistently denied accusations of backing M23, asserting that such claims threaten the ongoing peace efforts.

As regional and international peace negotiations remain stalled, including a truce agreement between M23 and the DR Congo government, tensions continue to escalate. The M23 has recently withdrawn from upcoming peace talks, citing unmet commitments from Kinshasa.

In light of these grave human rights abuses, Human Rights Watch is urging the United Nations Security Council and the European Union to enact stricter sanctions against those culpable and advocate for the prosecution of implicated military leaders. The situation in eastern DR Congo remains precarious, with hopes for stability dwindling against a backdrop of continuous violence and instability.