Amnesty International has released a new report accusing the M23 rebel group of committing acts that may constitute war crimes in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The report, published on Monday, May 27, 2025, is based on testimonies from 18 individuals who were unlawfully detained by M23, with some subjected to torture and others forcibly disappeared. The detainees were accused of supporting the Congolese government forces without substantial evidence. Some were held without being informed of the reasons for their detention, and others suffered physical and psychological abuse.
The report highlights that M23 established detention sites in repurposed churches and schools, where detainees were tortured, executed, or disappeared. These actions violate international humanitarian law and may amount to war crimes. Amnesty International calls for an independent investigation to bring those responsible to justice.
M23, active in eastern Congo for years, is accused by the Congolese government of receiving support from Rwanda, an allegation Rwanda denies. The group’s activities have exacerbated insecurity in North and South Kivu provinces, leading to mass displacement and fear among civilians.
While the Congolese government has yet to respond to the report, Amnesty International urges immediate action to protect civilians, release unlawfully detained individuals, and hold perpetrators accountable. The report comes amid ongoing regional instability fueled by armed groups.
