M23's Parallel Administration in Eastern Congo
Since late 2021, Rwanda-supported M23 rebels have seized vast territories in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, displacing millions and establishing their own administrative systems across major cities and rural areas. Their incursions have driven one of the country’s most severe crises in decades, intensifying instability and fear among local populations.[1][5]
Abuses Committed Under Rebel Rule
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“Since taking control of Goma, the M23 has instilled a climate of fear and vicious reprisals among the local population. The alarming scale and frequency of abuses in eastern Congo should shock the world. The violence has been enabled by decades of impunity for serious abuses and human rights violations.”
Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa.[1] -
“The security situation is practically the same in terms of human rights violations. We continue, day by day, to record various violations of the rights of our fellow citizens who live in extremely difficult conditions, marked by insecurity.”
Jacquemain Shabani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior and Security, DRC.[4] - Amnesty International and others have documented extensive abuses including summary executions, gang rapes, forced recruitment of civilians and children, abductions, violent reprisals, and torture. Both M23 and government-allied forces have been implicated in violating humanitarian law.[5][6][4][1]
Control and Governance Tactics
- The M23 employs systematic taxation, forced labor, and abduction as mechanisms to manage occupied territories. Hospitals have been raided, with caregivers and wounded civilians abducted and tortured.[1]
- Rebel forces have established parallel courts and administrative structures, often compelling compliance through threats and violence.[4]
- In rural zones, abuses often escape scrutiny, but journalists have gathered evidence of resistance and survival amidst intimidation and hardship.[8]
Acts of Resistance and Local Responses
- Despite ongoing violence, small but meaningful acts of local resistance persist. Some communities continue to challenge rebel authority, though conditions remain fraught and dangerous.[8]
International Reactions and Calls for Accountability
- Multiple human rights organizations urge robust international action against all parties committing abuses. Calls for criminal accountability and humanitarian protection underscore the enduring crisis for civilians in affected regions.[6][7][1]
“People deprived of their liberty, including civilians and members of the military or the M23, are protected under international humanitarian law. M23 must treat humanely all people who it detains. Acts of torture or inhumane treatment may constitute war crimes.”
Amnesty International report.[1]
Author’s Summary
The M23’s rule in eastern Congo is marked by brutal human rights violations, widespread fear, and attempts at imposing governance—while ordinary people endure immense suffering and, in some cases, resist.[4][8][1]