Drc: Hrw reports widespread forced recruitment and harsh detention by M23 in east

Forced recruitment on a massive scale

Human Rights Watch released a report on June 10 documenting that the M23 armed group has forcibly enlisted thousands of people in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The organization describes extremely harsh detention conditions that have led to the deaths of many captives. According to HRW, the M23 intensified its forced recruitment campaigns after seizing the cities of Goma and Bukavu in early 2025. Thousands of Congolese soldiers, members of local armed groups, and civilians were arrested and held in makeshift facilities. Witnesses told HRW that people were abducted from streets, homes, schools, and churches, then transferred to military camps.

Minors among the victims

The report highlights that some captives were as young as 12. Many were sent to training centers where they received military and ideological instruction aimed at integrating them into M23 ranks. HRW states that these recruitments were carried out under coercion, with detainees threatened with death if they refused to join the armed group.

Harsh detention conditions condemned

HRW describes detention conditions marked by severe overcrowding, lack of food and water, and repeated physical abuse. Former detainees reported witnessing deaths from starvation, dehydration, mistreatment, and summary executions. The exact number of victims remains unknown, but testimonies suggest hundreds may have died in these camps.

NEW: Rwandan military forces and the M23 armed group carried out a campaign of forced recruitment and abusive detention of captured combatants and civilians in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

In a new report, HRW documents large-scale roundups and arrests as well as grave… pic.twitter.com/YFdnBrTljg

— Human Rights Watch (@hrw) June 10, 2026

Accusations also targeting Rwanda

Several witnesses reported identifying M23 officers in the detention centers. Some also said that instructors and guards were of Rwandan nationality and that some wore uniforms of the Rwandan armed forces. These allegations come amid strong regional tensions, as Kigali continues to deny claims of direct military support to M23.