The report, viewed by several media outlets, outlines ongoing violations by regional actors, militias, and Congolese forces in the restive eastern provinces. It asserts that Rwanda provides logistical and operational support to the M23 group, which has seized control of key urban centers such as Goma and Bukavu in recent months.
According to the report, M23 fighters take direct orders from Rwandan intelligence, with Kigali’s officials allegedly signaling intent to capture strategic areas shortly before the group advanced. Minerals from conflict zones under M23 control are reportedly being transported to Rwanda and mixed with legally mined materials before entering global markets.
Kigali has repeatedly denied backing the rebel group, accusing UN investigators of bias and lacking credible evidence. Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame dismissed the panel’s findings at a July 4 press conference, stating the experts merely reinforce a narrative crafted without context.
Uganda is also cited in the document for unilaterally increasing its troop deployments in North Kivu and Ituri, despite an existing joint operation framework with the Congolese army. The experts suggest the expansion may serve to protect Uganda’s strategic and economic interests in the region, while indirectly shielding M23 positions from counteroffensives.
Kampala rejected the allegations, describing the report as inaccurate. Uganda’s envoy to the UN and military officials emphasized that their operations are defensive and meant to contain cross-border threats.
The report further criticizes the DRC government’s reliance on irregular armed groups and the controversial FDLR militia, which has been linked to past regional atrocities. These alliances, according to the panel, have contributed to reprisals, civilian harm, and breakdowns in military discipline.
Rights violations, including looting and violence against civilians, are reported on all sides, with the expert group emphasizing that the conflict continues to displace communities and obstruct regional peace initiatives.
Despite a recent U.S.-facilitated agreement between DRC and Rwanda and ongoing mediation by Qatar, tensions remain high. The report concludes by warning that unless political will from all parties is demonstrated, eastern DRC is likely to remain locked in a cycle of violence and humanitarian crisis.