Sign in Subscribe
Human rights

Escalating Violence in Eastern DRC: UN Human Rights Chief Condemns Attacks on Civilians

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk has condemned the escalating violence against civilians in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, which has resulted in the deaths of at least 319 civilians over the past month. The attacks, perpetrated by the Rwandan-backed M23 and other armed groups, have left local farmers, including women and children, dead or displaced. Turk has called for an immediate ceasefire and the holding of those responsible to account.

Key Takeaways:

  • At least 319 civilians were killed by the M23, backed by members of the Rwanda Defence Force, between July 9 and 21 in four villages in Rutshuru territory, North Kivu Province.
  • Most of the victims were local farmers, including at least 48 women and 19 children, who were camping in their fields during the planting season.
  • Turk condemned attacks against civilians by the M23 and other armed groups, including the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and Cooperative pour le developpement du Congo (CODECO).
  • ADF members killed at least 40 Christian worshippers in an attack during Sunday prayers in Komanda village, Ituri Province, on July 27, including 13 children.
  • The group had earlier killed six men, one woman, and a boy in an attack in Ituri's Otmaber village on July 12, and killed at least 70 civilians in Pikamaibo village on July 9.
  • CODECO members killed three civilians and injured another in Lopa village, Ituri, on July 21.
  • Eight women were raped by members of the Raia Mutomboki/Wazalendo armed group in Busolo village, South Kivu, on July 27.
  • The High Commissioner renewed his call on all parties to the conflicts in eastern DRC to protect civilians from harm and urged them to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law.
  • The DRC Government and the M23 group signed a declaration of principles in Qatar on July 19, agreeing to a ceasefire and further negotiations towards a comprehensive agreement.

Statistics:

  • At least 319 civilians were killed by the M23 and other armed groups between July 9 and 21.
  • 48 women and 19 children were among the victims.
  • 40 Christian worshippers were killed by ADF members during an attack in Komanda village, Ituri Province, on July 27.
  • ADF members killed at least 70 civilians in Pikamaibo village, Ituri, on July 9.
  • Eight women were raped by members of the Raia Mutomboki/Wazalendo armed group in Busolo village, South Kivu, on July 27.

Sources:

  • UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (August 6, 2025)
  • https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2025/08/drc-turk-appalled-attacks-against-civilians-rwandan-backed-m23-and-other

Read more