The United Nations Human Rights Office has strongly denounced a sharp increase in attacks targeting civilians by the M23 rebel group in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), despite a recently agreed ceasefire in Doha that was intended to de-escalate the conflict.
According to Jeremy Laurence, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the M23—reportedly supported by Rwanda’s military—was responsible for the killing of at least 319 civilians between July 9 and July 21. These killings occurred across four villages in North Kivu Province’s Rutshuru territory.
“Many of those killed, including a minimum of 48 women and 19 children, were farmers who had set up temporary shelters in their fields for the planting season,” Laurence stated. He further noted that other armed factions have also been responsible for violent acts against civilians, with multiple incidents recorded in July across North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri provinces. Among the perpetrators were the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and the CODECO militia.
Laurence stressed that these brutal attacks must come to an end and that those accountable must face justice. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has reiterated his appeal to all involved parties in the region to prioritize the safety of civilians and to fully adhere to international humanitarian and human rights laws.
Türk also called on all signatories of the newly signed declaration of principles to demonstrate genuine commitment to the peace process and to take meaningful action to break the cycle of ongoing violence.
The Congolese military continues to face significant challenges in its efforts to combat the M23 rebellion, which has been reignited amid worsening security dynamics in the eastern region—further complicated by the group’s alleged support from Rwanda.
