In Uvira, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the executive director of Human Rights Watch (HRW), Philippe Bolopion, has made a pressing appeal to the international community to respond to human rights violations. This alarm comes in the wake of the publication of a report detailing the abuses committed by the political-military movement Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23) and its Rwandan allies.

The HRW report, released on May 14, 2026, highlights the alarming situation on the ground. As the AFC/M23 has recently occupied several localities in the Ruzizi plain and the highlands of South Kivu, testimonies collected indicate serious abuses such as arbitrary detentions and acts of torture. The organization has documented over a hundred interviews with victims and witnesses to support its claims.

Philippe Bolopion stated, "Congolese authorities must respect freedom of expression, end arbitrary arrests and detentions, and ensure accountability for abuses." These recommendations are directed not only at local authorities but also at international actors, including Rwanda, which is accused of militarily supporting the M23.

The latter does not hide its desire to rid itself of the current regime in the DRC. In an already tense climate, HRW's call comes as government forces struggle to restore order in a region plagued by chronic insecurity. In October 2021, it was noted that over 90% of documented abuses occurred in areas of armed conflict. Extrajudicial and summary executions remain concerning despite a general decline in reported abuses.

The political context in the DRC is marked by increasing repression against those who dare to criticize the ruling power. Organizations like HRW continue to closely monitor the actions of the Congolese government, which has been accused of intensifying its crackdown on any form of peaceful opposition since the state of siege was declared in January 2022.

For Philippe Bolopion, it is crucial that the international community becomes aware of this alarming reality in order to act swiftly. The situation in Uvira is merely a broader reflection of the challenges facing human rights in the DRC, where abuses continue to be commonplace.