According to a report from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, M23 rebels killed at least 319 civilians in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) during the month of July. The victims of the violence, which took place in the Rutshuru territory of North Kivu Province, included 48 women and 19 children. The reported death toll is one of the largest documented since the M23 rebel group’s resurgence in 2022.
The violence is particularly shocking as it occurred just weeks after the DRC government and M23 had signed a declaration of principle reaffirming their commitment to a permanent ceasefire. Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner, expressed his dismay and called for all attacks against civilians to stop immediately, demanding that those responsible be held accountable.
The M23 rebel group, which is reportedly backed by Rwanda, has been seizing control of mineral-rich areas in the eastern DRC since 2021. This has led to a significant humanitarian crisis, and the recent killings underscore the challenges of implementing peace agreements in the region.
Sources:
France 24: UN says M23 rebels killed hundreds of civilians in eastern DRC
Reuters: M23 attacks raise concern about peace process in DR Congo
