Rwanda’s Involvement in Mass Graves Unearthed in DR Congo

Mass Graves in DRC Tied to Rwanda-Backed M23: Evidence of Apparent War Crimes in Kishishe Should Be Preserved

Human Rights Watch has urged the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to seek assistance from the United Nations, African Union, and partner governments to conduct proper exhumations, return remains, and hold accountable those responsible for mass graves in North Kivu. The group has found that the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels used a village captured in November 2022 as their base and have been responsible for the mass graves containing scores of bodies found in Kishishe. These include villagers and captured militia members executed between November 2022 and the armed group’s departure from the village in April 2023. The authorities should ensure prompt investigation of all persons responsible for serious violations of international humanitarian law, and the findings should be made public.

Events in Kishishe

An independent international forensic expert, in partnership with the Congolese authorities, should conduct exhumations in common and mass graves to preserve and analyze evidence. Unforensic experts conducting exhumation in mass and common graves can compromise the identification of bodies and destroy critical evidence. It is essential how critical aspects of law, especially humanitarian law that prohibits summary executions, pillage, forced recruitment, and other abuses, were violated. The International Criminal Court should take the lead in prosecuting the responsible individuals for war crimes under international law. The Congolese government should invite UN or other independent forensic experts to help identify human remains through DNA testing. This exercise should continue until all relatives are informed of the outcome.

Responsibility for War Crimes

It is critical to hold commanders criminally responsible for war crimes committed by their respective forces if they fail to prevent them. The Rwandan officials who have been providing assistance to forces in M23 should take responsibility for their involvement in war crimes. Furthermore, the Congolese government should approach the UN for partnership in conducting independent investigations into the M23’s conduct in Kishishe and make naming and shaming those individuals implicated in allegations of abuse, including Rwandan commanders, a priority.

Way Forward

It is essential that those responsible for apparent war crimes be held accountable. The Congolese authorities should improve their collaboration and establish a coordinated response to these abuses with regional and international partners. It would also be important to take steps to prevent further resurgences of violence in North Kivu and stabilize communities to prevent mass displacement of people. Finally, regional actors should recommit to diplomatic and political solutions to the longstanding conflicts in the DRC.

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