At least 140 civilians were massacred in July by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has reported, warning that the true death toll could exceed 300. The figure aligns with similar estimates from the United Nations.
The killings occurred in Rutshuru territory, near Virunga National Park, despite ongoing peace initiatives, including a U.S.-brokered agreement between Congo and Rwanda on June 27 and separate talks hosted by Qatar with M23 leaders. HRW said violence has continued to escalate in the region.
According to survivor testimonies, atrocities were carried out across at least 14 villages. One woman recalled being forced to march with dozens of women and children to a riverbank, where rebels opened fire. She survived by plunging into the river before being shot. Another witness said he watched helplessly as fighters killed his wife and four children, the youngest just nine months old.
Most of the victims were from the Hutu community, with some belonging to the Nande ethnic group, HRW added, citing interviews with witnesses, health workers, U.N. staff, and local officials.
M23 has previously denied responsibility for similar massacres and has not responded to the latest allegations.
HRW urged the U.N. Security Council, the European Union, and governments to expand sanctions and pursue arrests of those responsible. The rights group also called on Rwanda to grant U.N. and independent forensic investigators access to areas under M23 control.
