Amnesty International has accused the M23 rebel group fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) of committing war crimes, including killings, torture, and forced disappearances of civilian detainees.

In a report published Tuesday, the NGO revealed that Rwanda-backed militants were systematically carrying out serious abuses in areas under their control, violating international humanitarian law.

The conflict in eastern Congo escalated in January, when M23 fighters rapidly advanced, seizing large portions of North Kivu province, including Goma and Bukavu. Amnesty interviewed 18 former detainees, nine of whom reported being tortured by M23 militants. Survivors said they were falsely accused of supporting the Congolese army or government, often without evidence or explanation.

Eight detainees said they witnessed fellow prisoners die from torture and inhumane conditions, describing overcrowded, unsanitary cells with little food, water, healthcare, or legal access.

Amnesty International is calling on M23 to release arbitrarily detained civilians, treat prisoners humanely, and grant access to legal representation and family contact.

Fighting between M23 and Congo’s military has killed hundreds of civilians and displaced more than 1.7 million people in North Kivu. Despite a truce agreement last month, combat continues, prolonging one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.

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