Despite a recently brokered ceasefire, deadly violence continues to escalate in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with the United Nations reporting that at least 319 civilians were killed by M23 rebels in a two-week span in July.
The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) revealed that the majority of the victims among them at least 48 women and 19 children were local farmers who had been camping in their fields during the planting season.
The attacks marked one of the deadliest episodes of violence attributed to the M23 militia in recent years and come just weeks after high-profile peace deals raised hopes for an end to hostilities.
“I am appalled by the attacks on civilians by the M23 and other armed groups in eastern DRC amid continued fighting, despite the ceasefire that was recently signed in Doha,” said Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
“All attacks against civilians must stop immediately, and all those responsible must be held to account.”
M23, a rebel group formed over 15 years ago and largely composed of Congolese Tutsi fighters, has long been accused of receiving support from neighbouring Rwanda, a charge Kigali continues to deny.
In an effort to restore peace, the governments of Rwanda and the DRC signed a bilateral agreement in Washington on June 27, followed by the signing of the Doha Declaration on July 19 between Kinshasa and M23 leaders, committing both sides to a ceasefire and dialogue.
However, humanitarian organisations report that conditions on the ground remain dire.
“I urge the signatories and facilitators of both the Doha and Washington agreements to ensure that they rapidly translate into safety, security, and real progress for civilians,” Mr. Türk added.
The deteriorating security situation is compounding what the UN has described as one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. According to the UN, over 7.8 million people are currently internally displaced in eastern Congo—the highest number ever recorded—while 28 million are facing food insecurity. Nearly four million of those are in emergency-level hunger.
The influx of more than 30,000 refugees from South Sudan into the DRC’s Ituri Province since April has further strained already overwhelmed services, as they flee renewed violence in Central Equatoria State.
The World Food Programme has warned of impending funding shortfalls that could force it to suspend lifesaving food assistance to hundreds of thousands.
Health systems are also collapsing under pressure, with the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) reporting a 276 per cent rise in attacks on healthcare workers and facilities in the first half of 2025 compared to the previous six months.
As violence surges despite diplomatic efforts, international pressure is mounting on all parties to uphold their commitments and prioritise the protection of civilians.