Gross human rights violations, including sexual violence and summary executions, have likely occurred on all sides of the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo since late 2024, the UN Human Rights Office has found.
At a Glance
- UN report says both M23 rebels and Congolese forces committed possible war crimes and crimes against humanity
- Abuses include sexual violence, summary executions, torture, enforced disappearances, and use of child soldiers
- First formal UN assessment framing these actions as potential crimes against humanity
- Over 3,000 civilians reportedly killed since January 2024 amid escalating violence
- Findings will be reviewed by the Human Rights Council in its next session
Background
The conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo intensified through 2024 and 2025, as the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group clashed with government forces across North and South Kivu. Fighting displaced millions, with civilians suffering from systematic attacks that included mass rapes, arbitrary executions, and abductions.
According to the fact-finding mission, both M23 and Congolese government-aligned militias such as Wazalendo were implicated in atrocities. Investigators said abuses were carried out in an organized manner, suggesting the possibility of crimes against humanity.
Watch now: UN probe suggests war crimes by all sides in DR Congo
Findings and Implications
The UN report identifies M23 forces as responsible for summary killings, enforced disappearances, and widespread sexual violence, including gang rape and sexual slavery. The Congolese army and allied militias were found to have committed similar abuses, as well as recruiting children into combat.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk condemned the acts as “horrific” and called for justice mechanisms to ensure accountability. He emphasized the need for resuming the stalled Commission of Inquiry to address widespread impunity.
The report marks the first time the UN has explicitly described the abuses in eastern Congo as potential crimes against humanity, signaling a shift in the international response to the ongoing crisis.
Context and Next Steps
Despite a peace deal signed in June 2025 and a temporary truce announced in July, hostilities have continued. The conflict has killed thousands and devastated communities, with humanitarian agencies struggling to respond to the displacement of millions.
The Human Rights Council is expected to review the findings in its upcoming session, with rights groups urging member states to adopt stronger measures against perpetrators. Calls for accountability mechanisms have grown louder, as international pressure mounts on both the Congolese government and Rwanda over their roles in the conflict.
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