Human Rights Watch has reported that the armed group M23 committed extensive human rights violations during its occupation of Uvira in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The occupation lasted from December 2025 to January 2026, resulting in numerous atrocities against civilians, according to the rights group. The organization is calling for a criminal investigation to ensure accountability for these acts, which include killings, rape, and enforced disappearances. Survivors noted a dire lack of healthcare access, leading to the spread of diseases such as HIV among victims of sexual violence. More details can be found in the JURIST report.
M23, reportedly backed by Rwandan forces, continued to commit these violations even after a US-brokered peace agreement was signed. Human Rights Watch urges the Congolese government to conduct transparent investigations in collaboration with international bodies, including the Independent Commission of Inquiry on the Human Rights Situation in the South and North Kivu Provinces. Such investigations should aim to protect witnesses and preserve evidence. The group also called for sanctions against M23 and Rwandan commanders implicated in the abuses, and a reevaluation of international security cooperation with Rwanda to prevent further conflict escalation, as indicated in Human Rights Watch’s announcement.
Historical context reveals that human rights abuses in DRC have been a longstanding issue. The UN has consistently reported potential war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by various warring factions, often targeting civilians and human rights defenders. Previous reports detail a systematic pattern of violence including targeted killings, torture, and mass displacements, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
The signing of a peace agreement between DRC and Rwanda in 2025 has not quelled the violence, with concerns from international observers about the precarious security situation. The interim head of the UN peacekeeping mission highlighted the escalating tensions between armed groups as a significant impediment to hopes for stabilization. This ongoing strife underscores the critical need for international action and accountability to restore peace and security in the DRC, as discussed in the BBC’s coverage.