KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of the Congo — August 24, 2026 — The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has condemned what it describes as continuing killings, serious human-rights abuses and violations of international humanitarian law in territories occupied by the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and AFC/M23.
In an official press release issued Monday, the government said information consolidated by its competent services documented more than 300 people killed during June and July 2026 alone through alleged summary executions, massacres and bombardments.
Authorities also reported hundreds of cases of rape, more than 300 cases of torture — including against students — as well as hundreds of abductions and forced recruitment cases, particularly targeting Congolese youth in Tshanzu and Rumangabo.
The government further accused the forces controlling these areas of burning homes and carrying out looting against civilian populations.
Kinshasa Alleges Population Transfers From Rwanda
The statement also accused Kigali of carrying out what the Congolese government called an “organized process of population transplantation.”
According to the government, more than 100 families of Rwandan origin crossed through Kabuhanga in Nyiragongo territory on August 10 before being settled in Rwibiranga, in the Buhumba grouping.
Kinshasa alleges that the movement forms part of an effort to alter the demographic composition of Congolese territory under occupation.
Government Denounces Illegal Fees and Parallel Administration
The government also accused AFC/M23 and the RDF of imposing measures affecting education and healthcare.
PRESS RELEASE
DRC Condemns Killings and Rights Abuses in RDF, AFC/M23-Held Areas
Aug 24, 2026
Aug 24, 2026
3 min read
Published
Updated:
KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of the Congo — August 24, 2026 — The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has condemned what it describes as continuing killings, serious human-rights abuses and violations of international humanitarian law in territories occupied by the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and AFC/M23.
In an official press release issued Monday, the government said information consolidated by its competent services documented more than 300 people killed during June and July 2026 alone through alleged summary executions, massacres and bombardments.
Authorities also reported hundreds of cases of rape, more than 300 cases of torture — including against students — as well as hundreds of abductions and forced recruitment cases, particularly targeting Congolese youth in Tshanzu and Rumangabo.
The government further accused the forces controlling these areas of burning homes and carrying out looting against civilian populations.
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Kinshasa Alleges Population Transfers From Rwanda
The statement also accused Kigali of carrying out what the Congolese government called an “organized process of population transplantation.”
According to the government, more than 100 families of Rwandan origin crossed through Kabuhanga in Nyiragongo territory on August 10 before being settled in Rwibiranga, in the Buhumba grouping.
Kinshasa alleges that the movement forms part of an effort to alter the demographic composition of Congolese territory under occupation.
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Government Denounces Illegal Fees and Parallel Administration
The government also accused AFC/M23 and the RDF of imposing measures affecting education and healthcare.
The statement alleges that fees have been demanded in primary and nursery schools despite the DRC's free-primary-education policy, while an illegal 17% levy has reportedly been imposed on schools' quarterly revenues.
Hospitals, private clinics and orphanages are also allegedly being subjected to illicit taxes and charges.
Kinshasa says the parallel appointment of officials at higher-education institutions represents another attempt to establish an illegitimate administration in occupied territories.
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Government Says Crimes Will Not Go Unpunished
The Congolese government said the alleged actions violate the UN Charter, the DRC's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as UN Security Council Resolution 2773 (2025). It also argued that they undermine commitments made under the Washington peace agreement and Doha process.
The government reiterated its demand for the withdrawal of M23 from areas under its control, an end to Rwandan support for the group and the withdrawal of Rwandan forces from Congolese territory.
It expressed condolences to victims' families and pledged to pursue accountability.
“None of these crimes will go unpunished,” the government said, adding that perpetrators, co-perpetrators, sponsors and accomplices would be required to answer before competent courts.
The government said it remains committed to restoring state authority, protecting civilians and exercising national sovereignty across the entire territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
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