A UN human rights body has accused the M23 rebel group of killing 169 civilians—mainly farmers—in one of the deadliest attacks in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo this year. M23 denies the allegation and warns it may be politically motivated.

The UN Joint Human Rights Office (UNJHRO) reported that the killings began on July 9 in the Rutshuru territory of North Kivu. Civilians—many of them Congolese Hutu farmers—had returned to the area after being assured safety by M23, only to be killed in their fields.

“The human toll has been particularly high: at least 169 people have been killed,” the UN said, citing independent sources.

Witnesses described victims being attacked with firearms and machetes, far from any protection or support.

M23 Response: Investigation or Smear?

M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa told Reuters that the group was notified about the findings and will launch a commission to investigate.

“Before imposing sanctions, the facts must first be verified,” he said. He also suggested the report could be “propaganda” by UN staff aligned with the Congolese government.

Threat to Peace and Investment

The massacre adds pressure on a fragile U.S.-brokered peace deal signed on June 27 between Congo and Rwanda, which calls for Congo to neutralize the FDLR (a Hutu militia) and for Rwanda to withdraw support for M23.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has touted the agreement as key to stabilizing the region and unlocking billions in mineral investments. Congo’s mineral-rich east is vital to global supply chains for gold, cobalt, tin, and coltan.

Regional Context

M23 has seized more territory this year than ever before, displacing hundreds of thousands. A recent UN report said Rwanda exerts “command and control” over M23—claims Kigali denies.

“The killings in Rutshuru show M23 is a destabilizing force incapable of bringing peace,” said Congolese government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya.

With violence continuing and trust deteriorating, prospects for sustainable peace in eastern Congo remain uncertain.