The Rwanda-backed rebels building a parallel administration in eastern Congo are accused of widespread human rights abuses. Since late 2021, the M23 rebel group has swept across vast areas of eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, displacing millions and installing its own governance systems as it drives one of the country’s deepest crises in decades. Heavily backed by troops from neighbouring Rwanda—long supported by some of the world’s most powerful countries—the M23 has made especially large gains this year, seizing DRC’s biggest eastern cities and threatening to topple the Congolese government. The group frames its takeover as a liberation for communities long neglected and repressed by state authorities and armed groups alike. But what does rebel rule actually look like on the ground? Is life better or worse than what came before?
To answer these questions, The New Humanitarian spent months working with a team of mostly Congolese journalists who reported anonymously for safety, from major cities and overlooked rural and provincial areas. They documented widespread human rights abuses—from summary executions to forced labour—examined how the rebels tax and control people, and uncovered small but striking acts of resistance that continue despite the occupation. What follows is a summary of some of the most important findings.
“The Rwanda-backed rebels building a parallel administration in eastern Congo are accused of committing widespread human rights abuses.”
Key observations include:
- The M23’s takeover disrupted civilian life through violence and coercion, with reports of arbitrary arrests and forced recruitment within occupied areas.
- Residents described taxation and control mechanisms implemented by rebel authorities, shaping daily routines and local governance outside formal state structures.
- Despite oppression, pockets of resistance and defiance persisted in various communities across cities and rural areas.
“We have documented widespread human rights abuses – from summary executions to forced labour – and uncovered how rebels tax and control people.”
The reporting also highlights the broader context of regional dynamics, where external support and regional power interests influence the trajectory of the conflict and the humanitarian crisis that has displaced millions. The piece emphasizes the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for accountability and protection for civilians in eastern Congo.
Author’s summary: The reporting reveals pervasive abuses and governance under M23 rule, illustrating profound human suffering and resilience, while calling for international action to protect civilians and restore accountability in eastern DRC.