Human Rights Watch has accused M23 rebels and elements of the Rwandan army of carrying out killings, rapes, and abductions during a month-long occupation of Uvira in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo between late 2025 and early 2026.
In a report released on Thursday, the rights group said the rebels briefly captured the city in December before withdrawing weeks later under pressure from the United States.
Human Rights Watch documented at least 53 summary executions, eight rapes, and 12 enforced disappearances allegedly committed during the occupation.
It further stated that fighters shot at fleeing civilians and conducted door-to-door operations targeting men and boys accused of links to government-backed local militias.
Both the Rwandan government and M23 spokespersons have previously denied allegations of human rights abuses and did not immediately respond to the latest claims.
M23 rebel group has long been accused of operating in the volatile eastern Congo region, where conflict has persisted for years despite multiple international mediation efforts.
The report also comes amid heightened diplomatic pressure, including sanctions imposed by the United States in March on Rwanda’s defence forces and senior military officials over alleged support for M23—claims Rwanda continues to deny.
Fighting in eastern Congo has continued despite international peace efforts, with recent rebel withdrawals from several positions in South Kivu pushing them further north.
Analysts warn that the ongoing instability in the region continues to worsen humanitarian conditions, displacing civilians and undermining fragile peace initiatives.
