DR Congo gov't says over 300 killed in M23-held areas in June, July

KINSHASA, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) said Monday that more than 300 people were killed in summary executions, massacres and bombings in areas held by the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group in June and July.

Elements of the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group stand guard outside a hotel in Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), on June 13, 2025. (Photo: Xinhua)

In a statement issued by the DRC Ministry of Communication and Media, the government condemned what it described as crimes and serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law committed against civilians in territories under M23 control.

It also reported hundreds of cases of rape, more than 300 cases of torture, including against students, as well as hundreds of kidnappings and cases of forced recruitment.

The government accused the M23 of imposing illegal levies in the education and health sectors, looting property and setting fire to homes in areas under its control.

The alleged acts violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC and run counter to ongoing peace efforts, including the Doha process, according to the statement.

The latest accusations came two days after the DRC government and the M23 announced progress in peace negotiations.

In a joint statement issued Saturday, the two sides said they had agreed on a roadmap setting out sequenced steps and timelines for negotiations under the Doha framework agreement.

They also agreed to establish a mechanism to review progress and address challenges in implementing their commitments, while welcoming progress in operationalizing a joint ceasefire verification mechanism.

Since January 2025, the M23 has intensified offensives in the eastern provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu.

Under Qatar's mediation, the DRC government and the M23 signed a declaration of principles in Doha in July and a framework agreement in November 2025, committing themselves to continued negotiations toward a comprehensive peace settlement.