Widespread Human Rights Abuses in Eastern DRC Highlight Need for Accountability

Strategic Insights -

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is grappling with widespread human rights abuses committed by the Rwanda-backed March 23 Movement (M23) and the Wazalendo, a loose coalition of armed groups backed by the Congolese army. Amnesty International has documented how M23 fighters have gang-raped women, tortured and forcibly disappeared civil society members, and committed summary killings, among other atrocities. The situation is dire, with no safe haven for women and girls, who are raped in their homes, fields, or camps where they seek shelter.

Key Takeaways:

  • Amnesty International has documented 53 cases of human rights abuses committed by M23 and Wazalendo fighters, including gang rape, torture, and forced disappearance.
  • Of the 14 survivors of sexual violence interviewed by Amnesty International, eight said they were gang-raped by M23 fighters, five said they were gang-raped by Wazalendo fighters, and one said she was gang-raped by FARDC soldiers.
  • Amnesty International has documented five summary killings by M23: three men in Goma and a father and son in South Kivu.
  • M23 fighters have attacked hospitals in Goma six times during the same period, abducting or detaining patients and caregivers.
  • Amnesty International has called on Qatar to press M23 to stop abducting and forcibly disappearing individuals.
  • Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International's Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, has emphasized the need for accountability and justice for the victims of human rights abuses.

Statistics:

  • 53 cases of human rights abuses documented by Amnesty International.
  • 14 survivors of sexual violence interviewed by Amnesty International.
  • 8 survivors gang-raped by M23 fighters.
  • 5 survivors gang-raped by Wazalendo fighters.
  • 5 summary killings by M23 documented.
  • 6 hospital attacks by M23 documented.
  • 19 July 2025: DRC and M23 representatives signed a "declaration of principles" in Doha, Qatar.
  • 27 June 2025: DRC and Rwanda signed a peace deal in Washington, D.C.

Sources:

  • Amnesty International press release: "DRC: 'They said we would die': M23 and Wazalendo abuses in eastern Congo".
  • Amnesty International briefing: "DRC: 'They said we would die': M23 and Wazalendo abuses in eastern Congo".
  • DRC and Rwanda peace deal: signed on 27 June 2025.
  • Qatar government-facilitated "declaration of principles" signed on 19 July 2025.