UN Experts Condemn M23 Reign of Terror in Eastern DR Congo Amid Massive Rebel Buildup
Independent UN human rights experts strongly condemned the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group's 'reign of terror' across the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, citing widespread sexual torture, gang rapes, abductions, and arbitrary detentions. Simultaneously, the AFC-M23 rebel coalition reported the graduation of 9,318 newly trained commandos in North Kivu, boosting the group's estimated strength to nearly 40,000 troops despite ceasefire efforts.
Date: July 21, 2026
Location: North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Conflict: M23 Rebellion
Category: humanitarian
Severity: HIGH
Source: KT Press / Global Issues / AFP