Overview

• The UN Human Rights Office reported that M23 rebels backed by the Rwandan Defense Force killed at least 319 civilians, including 48 women and 19 children, in Rutshuru territory from July 9 to 21, one of the highest tolls since the group’s 2022 resurgence.
• Those killings unfolded weeks after the DRC and M23 signed a declaration of principles for a permanent ceasefire in Doha on June 19, preceded by a bilateral peace accord between the DRC and Rwanda in Washington on June 27.
• UN High Commissioner Volker Türk condemned mass atrocities against civilians and urged immediate cessation of violence and accountability under international law.
• The UN also documented deadly attacks by the Allied Democratic Forces and CODECO in North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri, including assaults on worshippers and reports of sexual violence by Raia Mutomboki fighters.
• Eastern DRC’s humanitarian crisis has deepened as more than 7.8 million people are displaced and 28 million face food insecurity, with stalled peace talks and continued armed occupation hindering relief efforts.