Human Rights Watch has revealed that the M23 armed faction, supported by Rwanda, carried out the summary execution of at least 21 civilians—likely more—in Goma, the capital city of North Kivu province in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), during February 22 and 23, 2025.
Since seizing control of Goma on January 27, 2025, M23 forces have maintained a firm and violent hold over the city. According to multiple eyewitness accounts, on the afternoon of February 22, several pickup trucks loaded with dozens of M23 fighters arrived at various locations in Goma’s Kasika neighborhood. They proceeded to execute seven individuals near Katindo military camp, a former barracks of the Congolese army. Furthermore, the bodies of 11 other victims, including a teenage boy, were discovered at a construction site adjacent to the camp.
The violence continued the following day. M23 fighters rounded up numerous residents, some forcibly conscripting young men. During this operation, three men who attempted to escape were shot and killed.
Clémentine de Montjoye, a senior researcher specializing in the Great Lakes region at Human Rights Watch, explained that “The M23’s harsh reign in Goma has created an atmosphere of terror among those suspected of allegiance to the Congolese government. These mass killings appear to be deliberate and coordinated efforts by M23 leadership to cement control through brutal means.”
Human Rights Watch highlighted that there were no reports of active combat during the time of these killings. The patterns of injury and execution-style killings strongly indicate intentional executions, constituting war crimes under international law.
Between February and May 2025, Human Rights Watch remotely interviewed 22 individuals, including eyewitnesses to the killings, relatives of the victims, medical professionals who treated the aftermath, and others. Researchers also examined media reports and conducted thorough geolocation and forensic analysis of photographs and videos provided by direct sources or obtained from social media platforms. Attempts to engage with M23’s allied group, Alliance Fleuve Congo, for comment were unsuccessful.
The organization obtained credible information suggesting that M23 fighters targeted Kasika due to reports of criminal activities and military operations by the Congolese army and pro-government militias known locally as “Wazalendo.” Residents described M23 fighters searching homes and local businesses for young men, many of whom were forcibly taken from the streets. One resident near Katindo camp recounted, “They began shooting and abducted approximately 25 people, including my 25-year-old relative who was later killed.”
Human Rights Watch verified that at least seven civilians were executed near Katindo camp and received credible reports indicating dozens more were killed throughout Kasika. Witnesses recounted how fighters entered stores on Avenue du Commandant Belge, shooting people at close range. Bodies were reportedly gathered in two separate piles: one containing 10 corpses and another with 15. Residents recalled seeing numerous bodies lying on Kasika Avenue, with one woman stating, “M23 fighters showed me bodies on the ground and warned, ‘This is what we will do to you.’ I counted 18 bodies; others were on nearby streets.”
The discovery of 11 bodies at a construction site less than 100 meters from Katindo camp was corroborated by witness testimony and verified through geolocated videos and photos. Human Rights Watch confirmed the identities of six victims, all civilians residing in the neighborhood. Relatives shared accounts of loved ones who were taken from their homes and later found executed at the site, including a 15-year-old boy.
Photographic evidence showed bullet holes and bloodstains on walls at the execution site, alongside spent bullet casings scattered on the ground, indicating victims were shot there. The Independent Forensic Expert Group, affiliated with the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims, estimated the killings occurred less than 24 hours before the documentation, aligning with eyewitness reports. One photograph posted on Facebook at 10:13 p.m. local time on February 22, taken during daylight, suggests the executions took place before nightfall around 6:40 p.m.
On February 22, M23 fighters also shot three individuals on a street west of Kasika. A witness described arriving while two victims were still alive but stated that M23 fighters prevented them from providing aid, firing into the ground until one victim died. A video geolocated to Mulongwe Avenue shows at least one body being loaded onto a truck, with witnesses reporting six additional bodies on that street.
On February 23, Human Rights Watch confirmed a video showing approximately 20 men rounded up by M23 fighters near a local sports field known as “terrain des scouts.” Witnesses said the detainees, mainly local youth, were accused of ties to the Congolese army (FARDC) and subjected to intimidation. At least three men who tried to flee were shot dead. An independent source verified these killings but could not confirm the identities of those killed. The video shows a fighter wearing a red armband, identified as military police, overseeing the detainees who were later driven away in a truck. Local sources believe the men were forcibly recruited.
Medical workers interviewed reported that over 50 bodies were collected from Kasika during February 22-23, corroborating residents’ accounts. Human Rights Watch verified the identities of 13 victims, many with fatal gunshot wounds to the head or chest.
Human Rights Watch called for full accountability for those who ordered and carried out these abuses. Commanders and fighters responsible for these crimes must face criminal charges. Furthermore, military and civilian leaders who knew, or should have known, about such violations and failed to prevent or punish them could also be held liable under international law.
The ongoing conflict in eastern Congo between M23, backed by Rwandan forces, and the Congolese military alongside allied militias has exposed civilians to widespread atrocities, including summary executions, sexual violence, forced displacement, and looting.
In October 2024, the International Criminal Court prosecutor announced renewed investigations focusing on crimes committed in North Kivu since January 2022. Human Rights Watch urged that the ICC include the summary executions carried out by M23 fighters in Goma as part of this investigation.
Clémentine de Montjoye emphasized, “Given Rwanda’s direct support of M23, the government may bear responsibility for the armed group’s war crimes. Governments involved in peace negotiations should pressure Rwanda to halt support for M23 and ensure that justice for serious violations remains a priority.”