A recent report from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has accused all factions in Congo of committing serious violations of international humanitarian law, equating their actions to war crimes and crimes against humanity.
According to the OHCHR, since late 2024, the M23 group, backed by the Rwandan Defence Force (RDF) and the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC), has been responsible for extensive human rights abuses.
The M23 is among the largest and most violent of over 100 armed groups vying for control in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). For years, the Congolese government has accused Rwanda of sponsoring the M23 to destabilize the country in order to exploit its rich mineral resources.
Recently, the involvement of Rwandan forces in supporting the M23 has become more evident, especially after the Rwandan military’s backing helped the group gain control of a Congolese city. In March, the European Union imposed sanctions on three Rwandan military leaders due to their connection with the M23.
The FARDC is the national army; even though it theoretically has the upper hand compared to the M23, it has struggled against the rebels, particularly in recent months.
In June, a peace agreement mediated by former President Donald Trump aimed to ease tensions between the DRC and Rwanda, reportedly involving concessions related to DRC’s minerals.
Trump claimed in August that he had played a crucial role in stopping a lengthy war that had resulted in millions of deaths. “I saved a lot of lives,” he asserted, although the peace process remains fragile.
Residents in eastern Congo report ongoing violence, including M23 attacks. Efforts to finalize the peace agreement have faltered, with each side accusing the other of breaking a fragile ceasefire.
The UN’s fact-finding mission has flagged numerous abuses, particularly the lack of protection for civilians caught in the conflict.
The OHCHR’s report harshly criticized the M23 and its Rwandan backers, describing a systematic campaign of violence, including summary executions, torture, and forced recruitment of individuals, including children, as soldiers.
Reportedly, the M23 has engaged in severe sexual violence, notably targeting women and girls for gang rapes and sexual slavery, while also impacting men and other vulnerable groups.
The report highlights how atrocities such as murder, torture, and forced displacements could all be classified as crimes against humanity.
On the FARDC side, the UN identified patterns of sexual violence during retreats, particularly involving rape and gang rape amid their struggles against the M23.
FARDC’s inability to control rebel actions over the years has led to increased reliance on proxy groups like Wazalendo, which have also been accused of forcibly recruiting child soldiers and perpetrating sexual abuse.
The atrocities listed in the report are described as horrifying by the UN Human Rights Commissioner, who expressed deep frustration over the continued dehumanization of civilians.
He emphasized the urgent need for thorough investigations into these violations to ensure accountability and justice for victims.
Furthermore, Congolese farmers returning from refugee camps have found their land seized by the M23 and its affiliates. Reports indicate that numerous ownership claims are tied up with M23’s governance, as they have created “arbitration centres” to handle disputes.
This situation complicates matters for returning farmers, who may be told they need to share their fields with those now occupying them, resulting in significant losses for their harvests.
The Rwandan government continues to deny any allegations of invading or occupying Congolese territory, claiming that their troops are merely defensive. However, some Rwandans have openly admitted to occupying Congolese land to cultivate crops for survival.
“This field belongs to a Congolese citizen. I occupy it to plant potatoes,” one Rwandan woman said, admitting her actions were purely out of necessity.
