A United Nations human rights body has accused the M23 rebel movement of killing at least 169 civilians, mostly farmers, in one of the deadliest massacres since the group’s resurgence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The killings took place earlier this month in North Kivu’s Rutshuru territory during an M23 operation that began on July 9, the UN Joint Human Rights Office (UNJHRO) told Reuters. According to its findings, the victims—primarily Congolese Hutu farmers camping in their fields during the ploughing season—were attacked with guns and machetes “far from any immediate support or protection.”
Local activists also reported that M23 fighters killed over 100 civilians after luring them back to the area with promises of safety.
M23 Response and Denials
M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa said the group had been notified of the UN report and would form a commission to investigate the allegations. He dismissed the findings as potentially part of “a smear campaign” and criticized what he described as the UN’s rush to publish “unverified information.”
Part of Broader Peace Push
The revelation comes as U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration promotes a peace plan designed to end decades of conflict between Congo and Rwanda and open the region to major mineral investments.
Earlier this year, M23 seized more territory than ever before, forcing thousands to flee. The group and the Congolese government have pledged to work toward a peace deal by August 18.
Rwanda has repeatedly denied backing M23. However, a recent UN experts’ report said Rwanda exercises “command and control” over the group to extend its influence in eastern Congo.
High Stakes
UN human rights chief Volker Türk has previously accused M23, Congo’s army and allied militias of committing atrocities that may amount to war crimes.
Kinshasa says the Rutshuru killings underscore M23’s destabilizing role and the urgent need for the June 27 U.S.-brokered agreement requiring Congo to neutralize the FDLR militia as Rwanda withdraws its forces.
Eastern Congo’s mineral-rich lands—containing gold, cobalt, coltan, tungsten and tin—remain at the heart of the conflict, with violence continuing despite the peace deal deadlines that began this week.