The United Nations is looking into serious crimes in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Both the M23 rebel group backed by Rwanda and Congo's army called FARDC face accusations of war crimes. UN human rights chief Volker Türk spoke to officials in Geneva about the investigation. He said both sides showed complete disregard for protecting regular people during fights. The UN team found evidence that many actions may count as war crimes under international law.
M23 rebels took over towns and cities in early 2025 and started arresting people without good reason. They grabbed police officers and many civilians from their homes. Children were among those taken away from their families. Witnesses told UN investigators that captured people still live in terrible conditions. Many prisoners were forced to join the M23 rebel forces against their will.
Congo's military intelligence unit also committed serious violations according to the investigation. They arrested people they suspected of supporting M23 rebels without proper legal process. Many of these arrested people simply disappeared and their families don't know what happened to them. The UN mission found that all fighting groups used sexual violence as a weapon against communities. They targeted relatives of enemies and people from different ethnic backgrounds with these horrific attacks.
M23 rebels took over towns and cities in early 2025 and started arresting people without good reason. They grabbed police officers and many civilians from their homes. Children were among those taken away from their families. Witnesses told UN investigators that captured people still live in terrible conditions. Many prisoners were forced to join the M23 rebel forces against their will.
Congo's military intelligence unit also committed serious violations according to the investigation. They arrested people they suspected of supporting M23 rebels without proper legal process. Many of these arrested people simply disappeared and their families don't know what happened to them. The UN mission found that all fighting groups used sexual violence as a weapon against communities. They targeted relatives of enemies and people from different ethnic backgrounds with these horrific attacks.
