M23 rebels accused of mass killings and human rights abuses in DRC

The Democratic Republic of Congo government and United Nations human rights experts have reported widespread atrocities committed by the M23 rebel group in eastern territories. Government officials state that more than 300 people were killed in M23-controlled areas during June and July, citing summary executions, massacres, and bombings.

The DRC Ministry of Communication and Media reported hundreds of cases of rape, over 300 incidents of torture, and numerous kidnappings and forced recruitments. Authorities also accused the group of destroying homes, seizing property, and imposing illegal charges within the health and education sectors.

United Nations experts have condemned the group's actions as a ‘reign of terror,’ noting that cases of sexual violence perpetrated by M23 have more than doubled between 2024 and 2025. These reports emerge despite a recent announcement by both the DRC government and M23 regarding a roadmap for peace negotiations under the Doha framework.