UN rights office warns of summary killings and rape in eastern Congo

1/2/2025 7:06

The worsening conflict in eastern Congo has led to a surge in human rights violations including summary executions, the bombing of displacement camps, reports of gang rape and other sexual violence, the U.N. rights office (OHCHR) said on Friday.



The recent sharp escalation in fighting between Congolese troops and the Rwandan-backed rebel group M23 has further destabilised Democratic Republic of Congo's conflict-torn eastern provinces. Each side blames the other for the violence.



OHCHR has documented summary executions of at least 12 people by the M23 between Jan. 26 and 28 as well as new cases of sexual violence by the Congolese armed forces and members of the pro-government Wazalendo alliance of armed groups, the organisation said in a statement.



Congo's communications minister and a M23 spokesperson did not immediately reply to requests for comment.