The rebels of the M23 and the Rwandan army engaged in executions, rapes, and abductions during the occupation of Uvira in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo between late 2025 and early 2026, a report by Human Rights Watch released on Thursday stated.
– The rebels briefly took control of the city of Uvira in December before withdrawing a few weeks later under pressure from the United States.
– Human Rights Watch documented 53 summary executions, eight rapes, and 12 forced disappearances attributed to the rebels during the capture and occupation of Uvira.
– According to the report, the fighters opened fire on fleeing civilians and conducted house-to-house operations targeting men and boys accused of ties to local militias supported by the government.
– The Rwandan government and a rebel spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comments. Both have in the past denied accusations of human rights violations, accusing the Congolese army and allied militias of targeting members of the Tutsi community.
– Fighting continued in eastern Congo despite efforts at mediation by various international actors, including the United States.
– Washington imposed sanctions in March against the Rwanda Defence Force and senior army officials for their alleged support to the M23, a claim that Rwanda denies.
– Over the weekend, the rebels withdrew from several positions in South Kivu, where Uvira is located, retreating about 30 kilometers to the north.
