Amnesty International Reveals Egregious War Crimes in Eastern DR Congo
(MENAFN) Amnesty International released a damning report Wednesday accusing armed groups in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo of egregious human rights violations, including gang rapes, summary executions, and abductions.
The human rights watchdog identified both the rebel M23 movement and the pro-government militia Wazalendo as perpetrators of widespread abuses targeting civilians in the conflict-ridden region.
“The brutality of the warring parties knows no bounds; these atrocities are intended to punish, intimidate and humiliate civilians as each side attempts to assert control,” said Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa.
M23 remains the dominant force in eastern Congo, holding key areas including the provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu, which it captured earlier this year. The United Nations, the Congolese government in Kinshasa, and other parties accuse neighboring Rwanda of backing the rebel faction, a charge Rwanda denies.
No immediate response to the allegations came from either the Congolese government or the M23 rebels. Nonetheless, Chagutah stressed that both Rwanda and Congo are obligated to ensure accountability for all those responsible for human rights violations.
Amnesty’s investigation included interviews with over 53 victims and witnesses—comprising survivors of gang rape, abuse victims, medical personnel, and civil society representatives. The organization also analyzed official M23 statements, audiovisual materials, and reports from local and international media and human rights groups.
The abuses predominantly occurred between January and May 2025 in Goma, Bukavu, Rutshuru, Masisi, and Kalehe territory.
Among the 14 sexual violence survivors interviewed, eight reported being gang raped by M23 fighters, five by Wazalendo militia members, and one by Congolese soldiers. In Bukavu, Amnesty documented an incident where five M23 fighters gang raped a woman identified only as Beatrice “at an M23 military camp.”
“For the women of eastern DRC, nowhere is safe; they are raped in their homes, in the fields, or camps where they seek shelter. The world must say enough. All warring parties must prioritize the protection of civilians, including women and girls who continue to bear the greatest brunt of this conflict,” Chagutah declared.
This latest report lays bare the devastating human toll of the ongoing conflict in eastern DR Congo, underscoring an urgent need for international action to halt these atrocities.
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