• Authorities discovered two mass graves in eastern DR Congo with at least 171 bodies.
• The graves are associated with violent actions by the M23 rebel group, which recently withdrew from Uvira.
• Local and international groups report escalating violence and humanitarian crises in the region.

Authorities in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have uncovered two mass graves in the city of Uvira, containing at least 171 bodies, according to South Kivu province governor Jean-Jacques Purusi. The graves are situated in the neighborhoods of Kiromoni and Kavimvira, discovered following the recent withdrawal of the M23 rebel group from the area, which has been marred by conflict and violence. Purusi stated, "At this stage, we have identified two sites: one mass grave containing approximately 30 bodies in Kiromoni and another in Kavimvira with 141 bodies," highlighting the gravity of the situation (aa, aljazeera, africanews, reuters).

Local civil society groups believe the victims may have been killed by M23 rebels, particularly targeting those perceived as collaborating with the Congolese military or pro-government militia. The Executive Secretariat of the Local Network for the Protection of Civilians noted it had been prevented from visiting the mass grave sites for further investigation by the Congolese military. Allegations against M23 include human rights violations such as summary executions and forced recruitment during their military activities in the region (aljazeera, africanews, reuters).

This discovery adds to the profound humanitarian crisis in the eastern DRC, where over seven million people are reported displaced due to ongoing violence. Despite various peace talks mediated by international parties, the region continues to witness significant fluctuations in safety, with fighting persisting among multiple armed groups, including the M23. Reports indicate that the situation remains dire, with thousands of casualties reported amidst the chaos and ongoing power struggles in the eastern provinces (aa, aljazeera, africanews, reuters).