Archive · 8 Aug 2025
M23 Rebels Accused of Killing Hundreds in Eastern Congo
In eastern Congo, a rebel group called M23 is accused of killing at least 319 people in July.
The killings happened in four villages, and many of the victims were farmers.
The UN says it has firsthand accounts and is investigating the deaths.
M23 is a rebel group, and the government of Congo are currently trying to make peace.
The M23 leader said they would investigate the claims, but also suggested it was a smear campaign.
M23 rebels killed at least 319 civilians in eastern Congo in July.
The killings occurred in four villages in the Rutshuru territory of North Kivu province.
Victims included 48 women and 19 children, many were local farmers.
The UN is investigating the killings, with 100 victims identified by name.
M23 and the Congolese government are working towards peace.
- Who
- M23 rebels and civilians, including women and children.
- What
- M23 rebels killed at least 319 civilians.
- When
- July
- Where
- Rutshuru territory of North Kivu province, eastern Congo
- Why
- The reason for the killings is not explicitly stated in the articles, but the UNJHRO says M23 targeted suspected members of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda.
UN Report
M23 Response and Rwandan Perspective
Responsibility for the Killings
UN Report
M23 rebels are responsible for the killings of 319 civilians.
M23 Response and Rwandan Perspective
The M23 leader said the report could be a "smear campaign."
Underlying Conflict
UN Report
The UN report indicates the M23 targeted suspected members of the FDLR.
M23 Response and Rwandan Perspective
Rwanda denies helping M23 and says its forces act in self-defense against Congo’s army and ethnic Hutu militiamen linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
- Confirmed Death Toll
- At least 319
- Location
- Rutshuru territory, North Kivu province, Congo
- Victim Demographics
- 48 women, 19 children
- Perpetrator
- M23 Rebels
- Investigation Status
- Ongoing by UNJHRO