53 summary executions documented by rights group in DR Congo city

Fifty-three summary executions, eight rapes, and twelve enforced disappearances were documented by Human Rights Watch in a report released Thursday, detailing crimes committed by M23 rebels and the Rwandan army during their occupation of Ofera in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The violations occurred as the insurgents seized and held the city between late 2025 and early 2026.

The rebels briefly captured Ofera in December before withdrawing weeks later under U.S. pressure, according to Reuters. The report states fighters opened fire on fleeing civilians and conducted house-to-house searches for men and boys they accused of links to pro-government local militias.

No response to allegations

Neither the Rwandan government nor a rebel spokesperson responded to requests for comment on the report. Both parties have previously denied accusations of human rights abuses, each accusing the Congolese army and its allied militias of targeting members of the Tutsi minority.

Fighting continues in eastern Congo despite international mediation efforts, including from the United States. In March, Washington imposed sanctions on Rwandan defense forces and senior military officials over allegations of supporting M23, which Rwanda denies.

Late last week, the rebels withdrew from several positions in South Kivu province, where Ofera is located, retreating approximately 30 kilometers northward.