A prominent human rights organization has released findings detailing severe violations committed during the occupation of a city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to a Thursday report.
Human Rights Watch documented serious crimes during M23 rebels and Rwandan military forces’ control of Uvira, which lasted approximately one month spanning late 2025 into early 2026.
The organization’s investigation recorded 53 summary executions, eight sexual assaults, and 12 enforced disappearances that occurred while the armed groups controlled the city.
According to the findings, combatants opened fire on civilians attempting to flee and conducted house-to-house searches specifically targeting males they suspected of connections to government-supported local armed groups.
The rebel forces initially seized control of Uvira in December but later retreated following diplomatic pressure from the United States.
Neither the government of Rwanda nor representatives for the rebel organization provided immediate responses to requests for comment. Both parties have previously rejected similar accusations of rights violations and have instead pointed to alleged attacks against Tutsi community members by Congolese military forces and their militia allies.
Despite ongoing international mediation attempts, including efforts by the United States, violence has persisted throughout eastern Congo.
In March, Washington implemented sanctions targeting the Rwandan Defence Force and high-ranking military leaders due to their purported backing of M23, allegations that Rwanda continues to reject.
Most recently, the rebel forces pulled back from multiple positions in South Kivu province, where Uvira is situated, moving approximately 30 kilometers northward.
