Congo-Kinshasa: Rwanda-Backed M23 Executed Civilians in Goma

Nairobi — Mass Killings in February Highlight Risks in Occupied Areas

The Rwanda-backed M23 armed group executed at least 21 civilians in Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, on February 22-23, 2025. Human Rights Watch reported that the number may be higher.

The M23 has occupied Goma since January 27, 2025. Witnesses saw three pickup trucks with M23 fighters arrive in Goma's Kasika neighborhood on February 22. They executed seven people near Katindo military camp, a former army barracks. Eleven more bodies were found at a nearby construction site.

On February 23, M23 fighters rounded up people for forced recruitment. They killed three men who tried to escape.

"The M23's brutal control over Goma creates fear among those linked to the Congolese government," said Clémentine de Montjoye from Human Rights Watch. "These mass killings appear to be part of the M23 leadership's strategy to maintain control."

Human Rights Watch noted that there were no reports of fighting between groups during this time. The nature of the wounds suggests that M23 fighters deliberately executed those they captured, which constitutes war crimes.

Between February and May, Human Rights Watch interviewed 22 people remotely. This included witnesses, victims' relatives, and medical workers. Researchers also reviewed media reports and analyzed photographs and videos shared online. On May 23, they contacted Lawrence Kanyuka from the M23 but received no response.

Reports indicate that the M23 targeted Kasika due to crime and activity by the Congolese army and local militia groups aligned with the government. Residents reported that fighters searched homes for young men. One resident said they shot people and took around 25 individuals from the streets.

Human Rights Watch confirmed seven executions near Katindo camp and received credible reports of many more killings. A witness described seeing bodies piled up in two locations: ten in one place and fifteen in another.

Residents reported seeing over a dozen bodies on Kasika Avenue. One woman recalled being shown bodies by an M23 fighter who threatened her about what would happen if she resisted.

Eleven bodies were found at a construction site less than 100 meters from Katindo camp based on witness accounts and verified videos. Human Rights Watch identified six victims as local civilians.

A victim’s relative recounted how he was taken by the M23 and later found dead at the construction site with others. Another relative mentioned that a 15-year-old boy was also taken and executed there.

Photographs show bullet holes and blood at the execution site along with bullet casings on the ground. An independent forensic group estimated that less than 24 hours passed since these individuals were killed before being photographed.

On February 22, three people were shot just west of Kasika while still alive when witnesses arrived at the scene. The M23 prevented them from approaching until one victim died; then they allowed his body to be taken away.

Human Rights Watch geolocated a video showing men rounded up by M23 fighters near a sports field on February 23. Witnesses saw around twenty young men detained under accusations of being part of the Congolese army (FARDC). At least three attempted to flee but were shot dead.

An independent source confirmed these killings but could not identify all victims involved. The video showed an armed fighter believed to belong to military police detaining men who were later driven away in a truck for possible forced recruitment.

Three medical workers stated over fifty bodies were collected from Kasika during this period, matching residents' accounts. Human Rights Watch verified thirteen identities; many had gunshot wounds to their heads or chests based on witness statements.

Human Rights Watch called for accountability for commanders responsible for these abuses. Military leaders can be held liable if they knew or should have known about crimes committed by their subordinates without taking action against them.

The ongoing conflict between M23 forces backed by Rwanda against Congolese military has endangered civilians through summary killings, sexual violence, forced displacement, and looting.

In October 2024, the International Criminal Court announced renewed investigations into crimes in North Kivu since January 2022 including civilian executions by M23 fighters in Goma.

"The Rwandan government may be complicit in these war crimes," de Montjoye stated. "Governments involved in peace negotiations should pressure Rwanda to stop its support for M23."