Despite Peace Accords, Rwanda-Backed Rebels Kill 140 Civilians in DR Congo

The M23 rebels, a militant group backed by Rwanda, have been accused of killing civilians aimlessly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). According to a report by Human Rights Watch (HRW), published on Wednesday, Aug. 20, the rebels massacred 140 civilians in 12 villages and localities near Virunga National Park.

The atrocities occurred in the Rutshuru territory of North Kivu province. The villages affected are Busesa, Kakoro, Kafuru, Kasave, Katanga, Katemba, Katwigur, Kihito, Kiseguru, Kongo, Lubumbashi, Nyamilima, Nyabanira, and Rubare. The M23 presented these attacks, which targeted small farming communities, as a military campaign against the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (DFLR).

“The number of persons killed in Rutshuru territory since July can be above 300 victims,” HRW stated in the report, calling it “one of the worst atrocities committed by the M23 since its resurgence in late 2021.” The report claims that the Rwandan government’s defence forces, which militarily support the M23 rebels, participated in the targeted operation.

“Between July 10 and 30, M23 combatants summarily executed inhabitants of farming localities, including women and children, in their villages, on their farms, and near the Rutshuru river in the Binza tribal group within the Rutshuru territory, in North Kivu province,” the HRW investigation revealed. Eyewitnesses, military sources, and the UN have indicated that the Rwandan army was also involved in the M23 operations.

“The M23 armed group, which receives support from the Rwandan government, attacked more than ten villages and agricultural areas in July, resulting in dozens of summary executions, primarily of Hutu civilians. If those responsible for these war crimes, including high-ranking officials, are not subjected to appropriate investigations and sanctions, these atrocities will escalate,” Clementine de Montjoye, a senior researcher on the Great Lakes Region at Human Rights Watch, stated.

For the report, HRW said it interviewed 36 individuals from mid-July to mid-August, comprising 25 witnesses, local activists, medical professionals, military personnel, and United Nations staff. The organisation also examined videos and photographs, sought insights from medical and legal experts, and validated evidence using satellite imagery.

Earlier, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights accusedthe M23 rebels of killing 319 people between July 9 and 21, 2025. This report also indicated that the attacks targeted individuals on their farms. The M23 rebels have branded the UN investigation as “UNO lies.”

In July, local media in the DR Congo reported that M23/AFC rebels carried out operations against Rwandan Hutu DFLR forces in several villages and localities within the Binza tribal group of Rutshuru territory. According to various local sources, many people were attacked, with some unable to escape into the forests. Thousands of others were forced to flee their villages by the M23, who claimed the areas were operational zones against the DFLR.

Although unyielding, recent peace accords have attempted to curb hostilities in DR Congo. On June 19, the Congolese government and the M23 rebel group signeda declaration of principles in Doha, reaffirming their commitment to a permanent ceasefire and pledging to avoid hate propaganda and territorial aggression. This followed a separate Washington agreementbetween Congo and Rwanda to restore state authority and open direct talks for a comprehensive peace deal.