EYESON CONGO 
On Saturday, June 14, civil society groups in North Kivu condemned the AFC-M23 rebels for committing “serious war crimes and crimes against humanity” in the areas they control. These acts include murders, kidnappings, and sexual assaults.
The civic organizations made this statement after a meeting in Oicha, the capital of the Beni territory, where they discussed the overall situation in North Kivu province.
“Serious war crimes and crimes against humanity are taking place on our land. This needs our attention.” Between January and May 2025, over 200 civilians were killed by the M23/AFC/RDF in Rutshuru, 76 in Masisi, and 9,600 in Goma, with an additional 3,500 injured by gunfire in Nyiragongo territory and Goma,” explained Pepin Kavota, one of the meeting participants, as he summarized the recommendations.
He also pointed out the issues of kidnappings and forced recruitment into rebel groups.
In a statement released after the meeting, the coordinations urged the Government and its partners to alleviate the suffering of the local people:
“We urge the Congolese government and its partners to avoid signing agreements that would further jeopardize the DRC’s national integrity and sovereignty; to provide assistance to those displaced and in need in North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri provinces,” Pepin Kavota added.
