DR Congo: Children reportedly killed in summary executions by M23 fighters
February 18, 2025
Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo – Several children have reportedly been killed in summary executions by M23 fighters in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to a new report by Human Rights Watch (HRW).
The report, released today, documents the killings of at least 12 children between the ages of 10 and 17 in the Rutshuru and Nyiragongo territories of North Kivu province between November 2022 and January 2023.
“These summary executions are a grave violation of international law and a war crime,” said Thomas Fessy, senior Congo researcher at HRW. “The M23 must end these atrocities and hold those responsible to account.”
The report is based on interviews with 42 witnesses, including victims’ families, survivors, and local human rights activists. HRW also analyzed satellite imagery and other evidence to corroborate the findings.
According to the report, the M23 fighters who carried out the executions were part of the group’s “special forces” unit. The fighters targeted children who were perceived to be supporters of the Congolese government or who had been accused of collaborating with armed groups opposed to the M23.
In one case, a 15-year-old boy was shot and killed by M23 fighters after he was accused of being a member of the Nyatura militia, a group that has fought against the M23 in the past. The boy’s family told HRW that he had no connection to the Nyatura and was simply trying to flee the fighting when he was killed.
In another case, a 12-year-old girl was killed by M23 fighters after she was found hiding in a church with her family. The girl’s mother told HRW that the fighters had told her that they would kill her daughter if she did not reveal the location of her husband, who was a member of the Congolese army.
“The M23 has shown a wanton disregard for human life,” said Fessy. “The group’s fighters have committed serious human rights abuses, including the summary execution of children. These crimes must be investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice.”
The Congolese government has condemned the summary executions and has called on the M23 to end its human rights abuses. The United Nations has also called for an investigation into the killings and has urged the M23 to respect international humanitarian law.
The M23 is a rebel group that has been fighting against the Congolese government since 2012. The group has been accused of numerous human rights abuses, including summary executions, rape, and torture.
The Congolese government and the M23 signed a peace agreement in December 2013, but the agreement has not been fully implemented. The M23 has continued to launch attacks against the Congolese army and has occupied several towns and villages in eastern DRC.
DR Congo: Children reportedly killed in summary executions by M23 fighters
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