'They shot my neighbour in the head' - the lakeside city traumatised by war

An investigation by Human Rights Watch (HRW) has revealed widespread atrocities committed during the weeks-long occupation of Uvira, a lakeside city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), by the M23 rebel group and Rwandan soldiers. The report documents the summary execution of 53 civilians, including men, women, and children, during door-to-door raids in December. Survivors recounted harrowing experiences of violence, including shootings and sexual assaults, as the rebels, believed to be backed by Rwanda, seized control of the city on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. The M23 rebel group’s capture of Uvira came shortly after a peace deal was brokered by then-US President Donald Trump between DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, aimed at ending conflict in the resource-rich eastern region. Despite Rwanda’s consistent denials of supporting M23 or deploying troops in eastern DRC, HRW’s investigation and UN expert reports suggest otherwise. The UN has accused Rwanda of exercising "de facto control" over M23 operations, with evidence that recruits were trained under Rwandan supervision and supplied with advanced weaponry. The occupation forced tens of thousands of residents to flee, and HRW documented eight cases of rape allegedly committed by the rebels. Survivors described brutal attacks, including one woman who was tied up and raped while her husband was shot dead when he tried to intervene. The M23 withdrew from Uvira in January following intense diplomatic pressure, with government forces regaining some territory in eastern DRC. HRW reached out to both the Rwandan government and M23 leaders for comment on the allegations but received no response. This report marks the first detailed account of the human rights abuses in Uvira during the rebel occupation, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the complex regional dynamics fueling violence in eastern DRC. The findings underscore the urgent need for accountability and renewed efforts to stabilize the region amid persistent conflict and suffering.