HRW Reports M23 and Rwandan Forces Committed Atrocities in Uvira, DRC

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has released a report detailing severe human rights abuses committed by the M23 armed group and Rwandan military forces during their month-long occupation of Uvira, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The occupation, which lasted from December 10, 2025, to January 17, 2026, occurred shortly after the signing of the US-brokered Washington Accords. Based on over 120 interviews, the report documents the summary execution of at least 53 civilians, primarily men and boys accused of ties to rival militias, during door-to-door searches. Additionally, HRW recorded cases of sexual violence against at least eight women, the forced disappearance of 12 individuals, and indiscriminate shooting of fleeing civilians. The report highlights a critical lack of healthcare for survivors, particularly regarding HIV prevention. In response to these actions, the US government imposed sanctions on the Rwandan army and its commanders in March 2026. HRW calls for immediate international investigations, including by the International Criminal Court, and urges Rwanda to cease support for M23. The organization also demands that Congolese authorities protect civilians, remove abusive allied militias, and facilitate independent monitoring to ensure accountability for these war crimes.