In a damning report published on May 14, 2026, Human Rights Watch (HRW) urged the Rwandan government to suspend and prosecute senior military officials involved in abuses committed in Uvira, a strategic city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. This report highlights acts of violence perpetrated by the M23 armed group, supported by Rwandan forces, according to the human rights organization.

Investigations conducted by HRW revealed a series of atrocities, including summary executions and rapes. “The evidence we have gathered clearly shows that these acts constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law,” stated a spokesperson for HRW. At least 22 cases of abuse were documented during the occupation of Uvira, which lasted several weeks.

The presence of the M23 in this region is not new. In June 2023, our editorial team documented the rising tensions caused by this occupation. Congolese civil society had intensified its calls to end all forms of military cooperation between the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) and the regional EAC force, accused of collusion with the rebels.

HRW emphasizes the urgency of strict adherence to international humanitarian law. “The Rwandan government must immediately suspend any senior official involved in these violations and initiate legal proceedings,” the organization stressed in its statement.

The role of Rwanda in destabilizing eastern Congo is at the center of international concerns. According to a report relayed by BBC News, the atrocities committed during this occupation have shocked the international community and heightened fears regarding Rwanda's geopolitical intentions in this resource-rich region.

Pressure is mounting on Kigali to cease its support for the M23. Calls for justice for the victims are multiplying, highlighting an urgent need for accountability for the crimes committed in a region already suffering from decades of violent conflict.

As the conflict in the DRC continues to evolve, the international community is closely watching the actions that Rwanda will take. Regional stability largely depends on how these tensions will be resolved and whether justice will be served for the victims of Uvira.