Rebels Tied to Rwanda Accused of Executing Civilians in Congo

A recent investigation has found that at least 21 civilians were executed over a two-day period in February by M23 rebels, who are allegedly supported by Rwanda, in the eastern Congolese city of Goma.

The documented events took place between February 22 and 23 in one of Goma’s communities, capturing a grim snapshot of the turmoil intensifying in the region’s long-standing conflict.

“Commanders and combatants who directly ordered or carried out abuses should be held criminally accountable,” the report stated.

The rebel group, known as M23, has taken control of both Goma and Bukavu—eastern Congo’s largest urban centers—following an aggressive campaign that began in January. This offensive has reportedly resulted in thousands of deaths and widespread displacement.

On February 22, six men and a woman were reportedly executed with gunshots to the head near the Katindo military facility in Goma. A witness account pointed to M23 responsibility.

Another episode involved victims whose remains were discarded at a construction area within close proximity—less than 100 meters—from the military base. One of the victims was a 15-year-old boy who had been forcibly removed from his residence; his body was later recovered at the scene, according to statements from both a relative and a neighbor.

The Kasika area of Goma was singled out, according to the report, due to its history as a location for Congolese military installations.

Violence continued on February 23 when approximately 20 young men were apprehended by the group at a sports ground nearby. One eyewitness recounted that the rebels accused the group of being associated with national security forces. Three individuals attempting to flee were gunned down.

An M23 commander responded to the accusations by indicating the group would launch an internal inquiry and make their conclusions public.

“HRW gives us an opportunity to mirror ourselves. We respect this organization despite its past accusations which proved to be false,” said M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa.

The actual number of lives lost during the Goma violence may be greater than documented. Medical responders in the area noted that over 50 deceased individuals were retrieved from Kasika alone during the two-day span.

Previous accounts from other groups have detailed similar atrocities linked to the ongoing unrest since M23 began its territorial campaign.

In one report from March, rebels were said to have invaded medical facilities in Goma in search of wounded Congolese troops, abducting over 130 people, including hospital workers. Many of those taken were reportedly subjected to torture, and some have yet to be located.

Another organization recorded a dramatic increase in sexual assaults, with five times more rape cases reported across dozens of medical sites in February compared to previous months. Nearly one-third of those victims were minors.

In one particularly disturbing account, a woman disclosed that all six of her daughters—one as young as 12—were raped by armed men who raided their home while scavenging for food.

The origins of this prolonged violence can be traced back to the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and the fierce competition for Congo’s immense mineral wealth. While Rwanda has been accused of supporting the M23 group, it denies the claims, asserting that its military actions are purely defensive responses to threats from Congo’s forces and their allied militias.


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