The United Nations has condemned a wave of deadly attacks by the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, accusing the rebels of massacring over 300 civilians within days. The killings, documented between July 9 and 21 in four villages in Rutshuru, North Kivu, have intensified calls for regional accountability and renewed international pressure on Kigali.

UN Confirms Mass Killings, Blames Rwanda-Backed M23

According to Jeremy Laurence, spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office, at least 319 civilians were killed during the July attacks, including 48 women and 19 children. Many were farmers camping in their fields for seasonal planting when the M23 fighters struck, reportedly alongside members of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF).

“We also condemn attacks by other armed actors,” Laurence added, noting further violence from ADF and CODECO groups in North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri.

UN Demands End to Civilian Attacks and Justice for Victims

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk condemned the continued violence and urged all sides to uphold their responsibilities under international law. He stressed the need for accountability and reaffirmed the importance of adhering to a recently signed ceasefire declaration.

"All attacks against civilians must stop immediately, and all those responsible must be held to account," said Türk, while urging all parties to recommit to the peace process and break the cycle of violence that has plagued eastern Congo for decades.

Ongoing Regional Tensions

The Congolese army has struggled for years to contain the M23, whose resurgence has been tied to Rwandan support — a claim Kigali continues to deny despite mounting evidence. The latest massacre risks inflaming an already volatile regional security landscape, as Kinshasa pushes for international recognition of atrocities and demands stronger action from the African Union and UN peacekeeping forces.