Large-scale forced recruitment campaigns
Human Rights Watch has published a report on June 10 detailing a surge in forced recruitment by the M23 armed group. Following the capture of Goma and Bukavu in early 2025, the M23 allegedly rounded up thousands of Congolese soldiers, members of local militia, and civilians. Victims were seized from streets, homes, schools, and churches, then transferred to makeshift military camps, according to witness accounts gathered by the organization.
Minors among the victims
The report notes that some captives were as young as 12. Many were sent to training centers where they received military and ideological indoctrination before being forced into M23 ranks. Detainees faced death threats if they refused to join, HRW states.
Harsh detention conditions denounced
The organization describes extremely severe detention conditions: overcrowding, scarce food and water, and repeated physical abuse. Former detainees reported witnessing deaths from starvation, dehydration, mistreatment, or summary executions. Although the exact death toll remains unknown, collected testimonies suggest hundreds may have perished in these camps.
NEW: Rwandan military forces and the M23 armed group carried out a campaign of forced recruitment and abusive detention of captured combatants and civilians in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
— Human Rights Watch (@hrw) June 10, 2026
In a new report, HRW documents large-scale roundups and arrests as well as grave… pic.twitter.com/YFdnBrTljg
Allegations also targeting Rwanda
Several witnesses identified M23 officers in detention centers and noted that some instructors and guards appeared to be Rwandan nationals, some wearing Rwandan army uniforms. These accusations come amid heightened regional tensions, with Kigali consistently denying direct military support to the M23.
