HRW Urges Urgent Sanctions, Aid Access After Rwanda-M23 Uvira Assault
After the deadly Uvira offensive, HRW calls for urgent sanctions on Rwanda and demands immediate humanitarian access amid rising war crimes and mass displacement.
Published:
December 15, 2025 at 2:45:10 PM
Modified:
December 15, 2025 at 2:45:10 PM
Uvira, South Kivu | December 14, 2025 — The capture of the strategic city of Uvira by Rwandan forces and the M23 armed group has triggered grave concerns of war crimes and humanitarian violations, according to a New detailed report released by Human Rights Watch (HRW).
The assault, which took place on December 10, followed days of heavy fighting with Congolese and Burundian forces, resulting in 74 civilian deaths, over 80 wounded, and the displacement of more than 200,000 people, including 30,000 fleeing into Burundi. The U.S. and United Nations have condemned the use of attack drones, heavy artillery, and suicide drones, confirming Rwanda’s deep military involvement, despite public denials from Kigali.
The Washington Accords have not delivered security or access to aid. The warring parties are still committing atrocities and obstructing humanitarian efforts,” said Clémentine de Montjoye, senior Great Lakes researcher at HRW.
A City Under Siege, Civilians Under Fire
Eyewitnesses described scenes of horror across Uvira and its outskirts:
In Kasenga, M23 fighters executed unarmed men, accusing them of being Wazalendo militia.
In Kiliba, journalist Janvier Lwesho Nyakirigo and his brother were killed in a drone strike.
In Sange, at least 36 civilians died from drone-launched explosives in the town center.
Verified videos show dozens of civilian corpses, some of them children.
The humanitarian crisis is growing dire. Hospitals are overwhelmed, aid routes are cut, and the World Food Programme has suspended operations in South Kivu due to insecurity. Refugees arriving in Burundi report receiving little or no assistance.
Rwanda’s Deep Involvement Confirmed by the U.S.
In a UN Security Council emergency meeting on December 12, the United States confirmed that:
Rwanda had 5,000–7,000 troops inside Congo before the Uvira assault.
It supplied surface-to-air missiles, drones, and advanced weaponry.
It provided strategic and political leadership to both M23 and the AFC (Congo River Alliance), treating the rebel group as a proxy force to serve its geopolitical ambitions.
Rather than a march toward peace, Rwanda is dragging the region into instability and war,” the U.S. delegation stated.
Demands for Action: Sanctions, Accountability, and Access
HRW has urged:
Immediate targeted sanctions by the U.S. and EU against Rwandan officials responsible for the abuses.
A review of all military and minerals-related cooperation with Kigali.
Support for the UN Commission of Inquiry on eastern DRC.
Pressure on Rwanda, Burundi, and DRC to allow humanitarian access and protect civilians.
Unless those responsible face serious consequences, the worst may be yet to come,” de Montjoye warned.
A Collapse of Peace Efforts?
The Uvira offensive took place just days after the Washington Accords were signed on December 4. HRW and several international actors now question the viability of the peace process:
Rwanda’s direct violation of its commitments under the accords
Ongoing massacres and displacement, even after diplomatic breakthroughs
Failure of the Accord guarantors to enforce compliance
With international condemnation mounting, from Human Rights Watch, the United States, the European Union, and the United Nations, the pressure is now on Washington and its allies to go beyond statements and impose measurable consequences for violations of humanitarian law.
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