Justice: DRC Demands Probe into Rwanda-Backed M23 Human Rights Abuses

Rwandan War of Aggression in Eastern DRC

Despite recent diplomatic breakthroughs and negotiation efforts aligned with UN Resolution 2773 for pacification and the restoration of state authority in eastern DRC, the Congolese government under the leadership of President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo remains committed to pursuing justice. For Kinshasa, fighting impunity is a critical tool in preventing future attempts to reignite conflict, starting with justice for the victims of the M23/AFC rebellion’s brutal war.

In this context, on July 24, 2025, Minister of State Thérèse Kayikwaba Wagner chaired a high-level debriefing meeting at the Government Building with UN Special Rapporteur Siobhán Mullally, in the absence of the Prime Minister. Mullally’s visit followed her mission to the DRC to assess the situation of human trafficking, particularly involving women and children.

Since the capture of the strategic border town of Bunagana, multiple reports from international human rights organizations and UN bodies have documented horrific abuses: sexual violence against women, forced recruitment of children and students into the M23 rebellion, and mass deportations of civilians. After Goma was seized on January 31, 2025, and during “ Operation Sealing ” launched on May 10, large groups, primarily Hutu women and children, were forcibly sent to Rwanda, accused en masse of ties to the FDLR.

Ms. Mullally presented her findings, underscoring the grave human rights violations occurring in territories under M23/AFC control.

Minister Kayikwaba reaffirmed the DRC government's determination to combat human trafficking and emphasized the urgent need for financial support to establish an International Commission of Inquiry. “There is no lasting peace without justice,” she declared.

Both parties agreed to meet again in the coming days to initiate and validate the official work of the future commission.