At least 319 civilians, including 48 women and 19 children, were killed by M23 rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in July, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk.
Türk, who cited first-hand accounts, described the killings—carried out between July 9 and 21 in Rutshuru territory, North Kivu province—as “one of the largest documented death tolls in such attacks since the M23’s resurgence in 2022.” Most of the victims were local farmers who had been camping in their fields during the planting season.
An initial report by the UN Joint Human Rights Office (UNJHRO) had put the number of deaths at 169, but a revised UN assessment now confirms the toll was significantly higher.
Local sources and activists said M23 fighters used both firearms and machetes in the attacks. Two UN sources revealed that at least 100 victims have been identified by name, while investigations are still ongoing.
The M23 rebel group, which is believed to be backed by Rwanda, has denied responsibility. Its leader, Bertrand Bisimwa, dismissed the reports as part of a “smear campaign” but said an internal investigation would be launched. As of Wednesday, neither Rwandan officials nor M23 representatives had responded to the latest UN report.
According to the UN, the rebels appeared to target civilians suspected of collaborating with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a Hutu militia based in Congo. Some FDLR members are believed to be remnants of the forces behind the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
Despite previous commitments from the M23 and the Congolese government to seek peace by August 18, clashes have escalated in recent months, with the rebels capturing more territory. The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people.
The renewed violence is jeopardizing regional peace efforts, including a June 27 agreement signed in Washington, under which the DRC pledged to neutralise the FDLR in exchange for a withdrawal of Rwandan troops.
Rwanda maintains that its involvement in the region is defensive, aimed at curbing FDLR threats along its borders. However, its alleged support for the M23 continues to fuel tensions in a region long destabilized by armed groups and competition for valuable minerals such as gold, cobalt, coltan, tungsten, and tin.
