In a chilling report released by the United Nations, at least 319 civilians were killed by the M23 rebel group during a wave of attacks in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) between July 9 and 21, 2025. The atrocities occurred across four villages in the Rutshuru territory of North Kivu province and represent one of the deadliest episodes of violence in the region in recent years.
The victims include 48 women and 19 children, many of whom were targeted while camping near their farmlands during planting season. According to UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk, the updated death toll is based on firsthand witness accounts and on-site investigations. Early estimates from the UN Joint Human Rights Office had placed the figure at 169, but further assessments revealed a significantly higher number.
Witnesses recounted harrowing scenes, describing the use of firearms and machetes in the killings. At least 100 of the victims have been formally identified. The attacks have sparked international outrage, especially in light of recent peace declarations.
Just weeks prior, on June 27, the Congolese and Rwandan governments signed a peace agreement in Washington, with Rwanda pledging to withdraw troops in exchange for Congo dismantling the FDLR militia. This was followed by a July 19 declaration in Doha, where both sides agreed on a roadmap for peace, including the return of state authority to rebel-held areas and a timeline for further negotiations.
However, the recent violence has severely undermined confidence in these agreements. While the Congolese government interprets the Doha deal as requiring M23's immediate withdrawal from strategic cities such as Goma and Bukavu, M23 leaders claim the accord allows them to retain control during a transition period.
The eastern region of Congo remains highly volatile. Alongside M23, other armed groups like the Allied Democratic Forces continue to terrorize civilians. In a separate attack in July, nearly 40 worshippers were killed in Ituri province.
M23 first reemerged as a major threat in 2022, but its current campaign has seen significant territorial gains, including the capture of Goma in January and Bukavu in February 2025. The European Union responded with sanctions in March targeting M23 leaders and Rwandan military figures for their alleged roles in the violence and exploitation of conflict minerals.
UN rights chief Volker Türk has called for immediate accountability and stronger protections for civilians. He emphasized that these killings constitute some of the worst atrocities since the rebel group’s resurgence.
As the region awaits the next round of peace negotiations scheduled for August 18, the international community faces growing pressure to ensure that promises translate into real change on the ground and that those responsible for mass killings are brought to justice.