Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
UN-appointed human rights experts have condemned the M23 militia in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) for extensive sexual violence against civilians, describing rapes, gang rapes, violent assaults, and killings as widespread in the group’s operations. They emphasized the urgent need to end these crimes, which, while not exclusive to M23, impact a large number of individuals. The Rwandan-backed, Tutsi-led militia resumed conflict against the DRC military in 2021, continuing a history linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Decades of conflict have displaced more than eight million people in the region.
An April report by UN Secretary-General António Guterres found that cases of sexual violence by M23 more than doubled between 2024 and 2025, predominantly affecting women and girls. In addition to sexual violence, M23 is reported to control civilians through arbitrary arrests, detentions in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, torture, forced labor, forced recruitment, arson, abductions, and blackmail. The group often justifies its actions by alleging collaboration with the Congolese armed forces or non-compliance with imposed labor, frequently on arbitrary or unlawful grounds. Detained civilians often face beatings and deprivation of food, water, and medical care.
The experts stressed the unacceptable nature of this violence, calling for its immediate end and thorough investigation to ensure accountability. They have communicated their concerns with the DRC government and raised issues with the Rwandan government, noted for financially aiding M23.