The Democratic Republic of Congo on Tuesday accused M23 rebels of widespread human-rights violations in areas under their control and of abducting young people for forced recruitment in North and South Kivu.
Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Jacquemain Shabani told reporters the government continues to log “daily” abuses against civilians living in “extremely difficult” conditions, adding that kidnappings of youths to bolster armed groups persist. He said the rebels have established parallel administrations in occupied zones, complicating efforts to restore state authority.
The allegations come amid a grinding conflict that surged with M23’s resurgence in 2021 and major advances earlier this year. The group now holds significant territory, including the provincial capitals Goma and Bukavu, captured during its 2025 offensive.
In July, Kinshasa and M23 signed a “declaration of principles” in Doha that commits the parties to a ceasefire and confidence-building steps as a pathway to a broader peace deal, though fighting has continued and key details remain disputed.
M23 has previously rejected accusations of abuses. Separately, Amnesty International last month reported “horrific” violations by multiple actors, including M23 and pro-government Wazalendo militias—citing gang rapes, summary executions and abductions that may amount to war crimes.
Eastern DRC has endured decades of violence and displacement, with the latest phase further straining relations between Congo and Rwanda, which Kinshasa says backs M23—a claim Kigali denies. The Doha text aims to de-escalate but leaves unresolved core issues such as control of key cities, rebel withdrawal, and accountability for abuses.