The Amnesty International has revealed that the M23 rebels in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have committed serious abuses against civilians, which include torture, killings and enforced disappearances in areas under their control.
According to a statement issued by Amnesty International today May 26th 2025, these acts violate international humanitarian law and may amount to war crimes.
The allegations comes amid a renewed surge in violence that erupted in January, when the Rwandan-backed M23 group captured the strategic city of Goma in North Kivu province.
The rebels went on to seize the city Bukavu in South Kivu in February, escalating a conflict that has displaced hundreds of thousands.
Amnesty International researchers said that they spoke to 18 people who had been detained by M23 in Goma and Bukavu Cities and they said they were held on accusations of supporting the Congolese army or government, a claims for which no proof was presented. Several were not told why they were being held.
According to Amnesty International, detainees were crammed into overcrowded, unhygienic cells, lacking adequate food, water, sanitation and medical care and some of those interviewed said they saw fellow prisoners die due to these conditions or from acts of torture.
Amnesty International report indicate thay some witnesses described gruesome scenes, including two detainees being bludgeoned to death with hammers and another shot dead on the spot.
All of the former detainees said they were either tortured or saw others being tortured with wooden sticks, electric cables or engine belts.
When contacted the M23 rebels spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka denied these allegations and challenged the organisation to bring out substantiated evidence.
Additional Reporting from Associated Press
