The United Nations Group of Experts has issued an unequivocal statement, identifying the AFC/M23 armed group as the primary non-state actor behind the majority of international humanitarian law violations in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Their final report, released on June 11, 2026, details a disturbing pattern of abuses.
The extensive list of atrocities is staggering, encompassing systematic executions, the widespread destruction of villages, and the deliberate burning of livelihoods across the Bwito and Bwisha chiefdoms in Rutshuru. Furthermore, a severe humanitarian blockade has been imposed on Minembwe, effectively cutting off the Banyamulenge population from essential supplies and basic necessities.
Conflict-related sexual violence, with the AFC/M23 singled out by the UN as the main perpetrator, has escalated to what experts describe as «unprecedented» levels since 2024. Women and girls continue to bear the disproportionate brunt of these horrific acts.
Intriguingly, the report also points to the FARDC (Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo) as the principal state actor responsible for violations. This dual designation casts a harsh light on all parties involved and complicates attempts to portray the conflict as solely an external aggression.
