Rwanda-backed rebels massacred civilians in Congo, Human Rights Watch says

21/8/2025 6:18

Rwanda-backed M23 rebels killed at least 140 people in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo in July, Human Rights Watch said in a report on Wednesday that highlighted how violence remains elevated despite U.S.- and Qatar-backed peace talks underway.



The advocacy group provided new details about the killing spree first reported by Reuters in July. It said total killings in Rutshuru territory in July may exceed 300, echoing similar findings by the United Nations last month.



Reuters could not independently verify HRW's report.



The report included interviews with civilians that HRW said had survived the killings, elaborating on how the attacks had taken place. One woman, who saw M23 kill her husband with a machete, described being marched all day to a river with about 70 women and children.