• M23 rebels killed at least 319 civilians in eastern DRC in July, mostly local farmers.
• The UN condemns the killings despite a ceasefire agreement signed in Doha.
• The violence has sparked international outcry and calls for accountability.

In July, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, reported that M23 rebels killed at least 319 civilians in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), primarily in the Rutshuru territory of North Kivu. Most victims were local farmers attacked while camping in their fields during planting season. This incident is described as “one of the largest documented death tolls” from such attacks since the M23’s resurgence in 2022, highlighting a severe humanitarian crisis amidst the ongoing conflict, according to trtglobal and aljazeera.

The violence occurred between July 9 and 21, shortly after a ceasefire agreement was signed in Doha on June 19, reaffirmed by both the Congolese government and M23 leaders. Despite this agreement, the M23, which is supported by Rwanda, has continued its assaults, violating terms meant to halt hostilities and protect civilians, according to aa and africanews.

In statements by the Congolese government, the massacre was condemned as a “flagrant violation” of ceasefire commitments, drawing parallels to prior violence such as the Kishishe massacre. Government representatives have promised to seek justice for the victims and their families, emphasizing the need for accountability from the rebels, according to aa.

UN officials have reiterated their condemnation of the attacks and urged all parties involved in the conflict to protect civilians and commit to upholding international humanitarian law. As peace talks are set to continue, the humanitarian repercussions of these attacks remain dire, affecting communities already battered by over three decades of conflict in the region, according to trtglobal and africanews.