The Rwanda-backed M23 militia reportedly executed at least 21 civilians, and likely more, in a two-day killing spree in a Goma neighborhood shortly after capturing the city in January, according to a new Human Rights Watch report. This violence, part of a broader pattern of mass arrests, killings, and torture, continues despite U.S.-sponsored peace talks and has triggered a severe humanitarian catastrophe in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
M23 militia kills at least 21 civilians in Congo in defiance of peace talks, report says
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️The Rwanda-backed M23 militia reportedly executed at least 21 civilians, and likely more, in a two-day killing spree in a Goma neighborhood shortly after capturing the city in January, according to a new Human Rights Watch report. This violence, part of a broader pattern of mass arrests, killings, and torture, continues despite U.S.-sponsored peace talks and has triggered a severe humanitarian catastrophe in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Trending- 1 January (previous year): M23 captured Goma.
- 2 Weeks after January (previous year): A two-day killing spree by M23 occurred in Goma.
- 3 February-April (previous year): Amnesty International interviewed former detainees.
- 4 Last week (current news): Amnesty International report was released.
- 5 Mid-May (current news): Fighting between M23 and the Congolese army intensified in Bambo.
- 6 May 21 (current news): U.S. President Donald Trump claimed his administration helped settle the war.
- 7 This week (current news): M23 officials stated their intention to capture Pinga; Canada and 11 other governments issued a joint statement.
- 8 Tuesday (current news): Human Rights Watch report and MSF report were released.
- Mass killings and torture of civilians
- A severe humanitarian catastrophe, including thousands of deaths and millions displaced
- Continued violence despite peace talks
- Accusations of Rwanda's complicity in war crimes
- International condemnation and calls for action
What: The M23 militia executed at least 21 civilians in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, and continues its offensive despite ongoing peace talks.
When: The two-day killing spree began weeks after Goma's capture in January (previous year). The Human Rights Watch report was released on Tuesday (recently). U.S. President Donald Trump made a statement on May 21. An Amnesty International report was released last week. Fighting in Bambo has occurred since mid-May.
Where: Goma, Bukavu, Pinga, Bambo, and other areas in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Why: M23's leadership aims to solidify its control by brutal means, targeting residents perceived as allied to the Congolese government. Rwanda's direct support to the M23 rebels fuels the conflict.
How: M23 fighters arrived in pickup trucks and executed civilians. The militia has also engaged in mass arrests, torture, continued capture of towns and villages, and blocked relief supplies by imposing illegal taxes and customs duties.