UN Report Identifies AFC/M23 as Leading Perpetrator of Rights Abuses in Eastern

Kinshasa, July 1, 2026 - The latest assessment on the security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has placed the AFC/M23 armed movement at the center of the most serious reported violations of international humanitarian law committed in the region. The United Nations’ final report released in June 2026 highlights that the group is responsible for the largest share of documented abuses among non-state armed actors operating in eastern DRC. The findings point to a pattern of violence marked by alleged systematic killings, the destruction of villages, and the burning of local livelihoods, particularly in the Bwito and Bwisha chiefdoms of Rutshuru territory. The report also highlights severe humanitarian consequences in areas affected by the conflict, including Minembwe, where restrictions on movement and access have left parts of the Banyamulenge community facing difficulties in obtaining essential goods and services. Sexual violence remains one of the most alarming dimensions of the crisis. The report describes conflict-related abuses against women and girls as reaching unprecedented levels since 2024, with the AFC/M23 identified as the main perpetrator among the actors involved. At the same time, the assessment points to serious violations committed by state forces, identifying the FARDC as the principal state actor responsible for abuses. The findings underline the complexity of the conflict, involving multiple armed actors and competing narratives, beyond a single interpretation centered solely on external aggression. As fighting continues in eastern DRC, the allegations of widespread abuses add further pressure on national and international efforts aimed at protecting civilians, ensuring accountability, and finding a lasting political solution to the crisis.