UN Report Alleges War Crimes by M23 Rebels and Congolese Forces

The United Nations has accused both the M23 rebel group and Congolese armed forces of committing grave human rights violations in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with some abuses possibly amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity.

According to a new report by the UN Human Rights Office’s Fact-Finding Mission, the atrocities have been ongoing since late 2024 when renewed fighting erupted in North and South Kivu provinces.

“These atrocities are horrific,” said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, who urged accountability for victims.

The report found that the Tutsi-led M23 rebels carried out summary executions, torture, enforced disappearances, hostage-taking, and widespread sexual violence, including gang rape. Investigators also said M23 received training and support from Rwanda’s Defence Forces, though Kigali has repeatedly denied backing the group.

M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa dismissed the UN findings as “fabricated” and accused the organisation of trying to discredit the movement.

Meanwhile, the UN said Congolese armed forces and allied militia groups, including the Wazalendo, were also responsible for grave abuses such as the killing of civilians, gang rape, looting, and the recruitment of child soldiers. While investigators examined whether repeated sexual violence by some army units amounted to crimes against humanity, they could not confirm if it was state policy.

The renewed conflict has killed thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands this year, raising fears of a wider regional war in the resource-rich area, known for its deposits of tin, gold, and coltan.

“This report should drive home the importance of accountability and justice for these violations,” UN spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani told reporters in Geneva.

The UN has called for adequate funding to allow a long-delayed Commission of Inquiry into violations in eastern Congo to move forward.

Despite mediation efforts by Qatar, a peace declaration signed in July between the Congolese government and M23 rebels has stalled, with both sides missing an August deadline to begin negotiations.