WASHINGTON PEACE ACCORD
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.
December 15, 2025 at 2:45:10 PM
May 15, 2026 at 7:03:26 PM
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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.
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