Both the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group and the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), along with their allies, have committed serious human rights violations in the country’s eastern region, according to a UN investigation report released on Friday, September 5.
The report warned both sides of possible war crimes and crimes against humanity. Since late 2024, all parties to the conflict in North and South Kivu provinces have inflicted widespread abuses on civilians, including killings, sexual violence, and other severe mistreatment.
The findings of the UN fact-finding commission stressed that the human rights violations and abuses of power committed by all parties must be taken seriously, as such acts may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Despite its natural wealth, eastern Congo, bordering Rwanda, has endured over three decades of conflict fueled by the dominance of armed groups. The M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, reemerged in late 2021 and seized large swathes of territory, triggering a fresh humanitarian crisis.
Sources: AFP, Deutsche Welle.