DRC: UN rights chief says army, M23 forces have committed atrocities
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UN Rights Chief Volker Türk condemns DRC’s army, M23 rebels, and militias for mass atrocities in Kivu, calls for ceasefire and international pressure.
DR Congo: UN Rights Chief Accuses Army, M23 Rebels of War Crimes
Volker Türk urges immediate ceasefire, condemns atrocities by all sides in escalating Kivu conflict
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has delivered a stark warning about the deteriorating situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), citing widespread atrocities committed by both government forces and the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group in North and South Kivu.
“The situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo is now even more serious and alarming,” Türk told the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Monday, June 16.
He said findings from a UN Fact-Finding Mission, launched four months ago at the Council’s request, show a shocking disregard for civilian lives, with acts likely constituting war crimes.
Atrocities by All Sides
According to Türk, the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC), the Wazalendo militia, and M23 rebels have all committed grave human rights violations and breaches of international humanitarian law since January 2025.
The M23, backed by Rwanda, reportedly used heavy weaponry in its January offensive on Goma, hitting civilian neighborhoods and displacement camps. When government troops withdrew, a breakdown in command led to further violence.
“Congolese soldiers and Wazalendo fighters engaged in killing, rape, and looting,” said Türk.
The UN also documented summary executions and enforced disappearances by FARDC intelligence agents targeting civilians suspected of supporting the M23. The M23 itself stands accused of executions, sexual violence, and attacks on ethnic communities—acts that Türk said likely amount to war crimes.
Humanitarian Crisis Worsens
The violence has driven nearly one million people from their homes. Displaced families are stuck in temporary camps with poor access to food, healthcare, and safety.
“The Mission has documented violations on an appalling scale and scope,” Türk stated, highlighting the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war by all sides.
Call for Action
Türk called for an immediate ceasefire, urging all parties to the conflict to respect international law and re-engage in peace negotiations. He also appealed directly to Rwanda:
“I renew my call on Rwanda to withdraw its troops from Congolese territory and to cease all support for M23.”
He urged countries with influence over the parties to support mediation and address the root causes of the conflict, including ethnic tensions and political instability.
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