An investigation by Human Rights Watch reveals that M23 rebels and Rwandan soldiers committed summary executions and rape during their occupation of Uvira, a lakeside city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
HRW documented the execution of 53 civilians-46 men, one woman, and six children-during door-to-door raids. Witnesses describe being forced to flee as family members were shot.
"They shot my neighbour first in the head," one survivor told investigators. Another reported losing four family members in the attack.
Rwanda denies supporting M23, but HRW says victims identified Rwandan soldiers among the attackers. The report also documents eight cases of rape, with survivors recounting threats and violence.
M23 seized Uvira in December after a U.S.-brokered peace deal between the DRC and Rwanda. The group withdrew in January under diplomatic pressure. HRW believes the atrocities constitute war crimes.