DR Congo Accuses M23 of Hundreds of Killings in September

The authorities in Kinshasa on Saturday accused anti-government M23 fighters of committing hundreds of “assassinations and summary executions” last month in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The Rwandan-backed group, which seized large swathes of territory earlier this year in the mineral-rich, restive region, denied the claims.

Background: Peace Deals and Ceasefire Efforts

• June 2025: DR Congo and Rwanda signed a peace deal in Washington.
• July 2025: Both sides signed a declaration in principle for a permanent ceasefire.

Despite these agreements, violence has continued, although the frontline has largely stabilised.

Congolese Interior Minister Jacquemain Shabani said in a statement:

• 272+ cases of assassination and summary execution
• 300+ cases of rape
• 300+ cases of physical torture

“These incidents occurred in areas controlled by M23,” Shabani added, though he did not specify exact locations or circumstances of the alleged atrocities.

Last month, fighting erupted again between the M23 and the Congolese army after a lull of several weeks, with both sides accusing the other of violating peace efforts.

The DR Congo government has also condemned the continued “parallel administration” by M23, including the levying of taxes on hospitals and schools.

In response, Benjamin Mbonimpa, secretary-general of M23’s political wing, dismissed the accusations as:

“An abject litany, a string of shameful lies”

posted on the social media platform X.

Military and Diplomatic Dynamics

• DR Congo demand: Withdrawal of Rwandan troops from Congolese territory.
• Rwanda’s stance: Lifting of “defensive measures” conditional on the neutralisation of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), which it regards as an existential threat.

On Friday evening, the Congolese army called on all FDLR factions to lay down their weapons, a key provision of the Washington peace accord.