The UN offices recently accused AFC/M23 of involvement in the deaths of 169 and 319 civilians in several localities within Rutshuru Territory between July 9 and 21, 2025. AFC/M23 dismissed the claims as unsubstantiated and politically motivated.
In a statement released on Thursday night, AFC/M23 questioned the credibility of the UN report, noting that many of the cited areas located within Virunga National Park are protected zones where farming is prohibited. The group argued that the alleged civilian massacres could not have occurred in 'nonexistent farmlands,' calling into question the validity of the allegations.
AFC/M23 also criticised the UNJHRO's investigative approach, accusing it of relying on sources aligned with the Kinshasa government without conducting independent verification. The group condemned the UN for allegedly releasing the report before AFC/M23 could respond, which they say fueled misinformation amplified by media outlets such as Reuters.
Furthermore, AFC/M23 challenged the OHCHR's reliance on reports from armed groups and local organisations with no presence in the affected areas, including Wazalendo, FDLR, and the Rutshuru Territory Youth Council. The group called for an independent investigation and invited the UN offices to participate.
The statement also accused the UN of selectively ignoring documented atrocities committed by the Congolese government forces and their allies, including massacres of Banyamulenge and Hema communities, drone strikes on civilian areas, and repression of dissent.
'AFC/M23 strongly condemns this biased report, which propagates misinformation and undermines peace efforts. We hereby demand the immediate retraction of Report BCNUDH/OD/138/2025 and a public apology, as well as an independent investigation into the origins of these false allegations and internal accountability at the UNJHRO,' said the rebel coalition's spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka.
The group has also urged the UN to address bias and ensure equal scrutiny of all parties involved in violations.
"AFC/M23 remains committed to protecting civilians and will not tolerate defamation or political weaponisation by institutions mandated to uphold impartiality," he added.
The rebel group controls large swathes of territory in eastern DRC and is currently engaged in talks with the Kinshasa administration through a Qatar-led process aimed at ending the longstanding stalemate, which they attribute to the marginalisation and persecution of Kinyarwanda-speaking communities.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
