UN Report: M23/AFC & Rwanda Linked to War Crimes in Kivu | XTRAfrica

Overview

The UN fact‑finding mission’s report on the situation in North and South Kivu documents numerous violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) and human rights law (IHRL) attributed to the armed group Mouvement du 23 Mars (M23) and its political platform, Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), many of which were enabled by Rwanda’s military support. The report notes that Rwanda provided training, intelligence, and operational support to M23 and deployed Rwandan Defence Force (RDF) personnel in the Kivus. Witnesses often identified perpetrators as “Rwandan” through their language, accents, or uniforms. The fact‑finding mission, therefore, considers Rwanda responsible for crimes directly committed by its forces and for failing to stop violations committed by M23.

Structured list of crimes

Summary

1. M23/AFC and Rwanda’s role – The report shows that M23, backed by Rwanda’s army (RDF), captured territory in the Kivus, killed civilians and soldiers, and committed numerous war crimes. Rwanda provided training, intelligence, and troops for these operations and bears responsibility for its forces’ actions.

   
   

2. Massacres and executions – M23 conducted brutal massacres. In July 2025, it executed hundreds of mostly Hutu civilians in Rutshuru, including children who were hacked with machetes. During cordon‑and‑search operations, it executed at least 21 civilians and killed children for minor reasons.

   
   

3. Attacks on peacekeepers and indiscriminate firing – M23 and RDF shelled populated areas and even targeted a UN base, killing peacekeepers. Their indiscriminate use of heavy weapons caused many civilian deaths.

   
   

4. Suppression of civil liberties – After taking control of cities, M23/AFC imposed new administrators and taxes, replaced civil servants, and used intimidation, threats, and killings to silence activists and journalists.

   
   

5. Detention, torture, and forced recruitment – M23 detained thousands, including children, under horrific conditions. Detainees were beaten, tortured, executed, and forced into military training or labour, with Rwandan personnel often present. Children were conscripted and used in hostilities, which is a war crime.

   
   

6. Sexual violence – The group used rape and sexual slavery as tools of terror, with women, girls, men, and LGBT individuals subjected to gang rapes, often in detention, and sometimes exchanged for food.