Human Rights Watch exposes M23 forced recruitment and inhumane detention in eastern DRC

Large-scale forced recruitment

On 10 June, Human Rights Watch released a report accusing the M23 armed group of forcibly recruiting thousands of individuals in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The organisation also condemns extremely harsh detention conditions that have led to numerous deaths. According to Human Rights Watch, the M23 intensified its forced recruitment campaigns after capturing Goma and Bukavu early in 2025. Thousands of Congolese soldiers, members of local armed groups, and civilians were reportedly arrested and held in makeshift centres. Witnesses told the NGO that people were abducted from streets, their homes, or during gatherings at schools and churches before being transferred to military camps.

Minors among victims

The report highlights that some captives were as young as 12. Many were sent to training centres where they received military and ideological instruction to integrate them into M23 ranks. HRW states that recruitment was coerced, with detainees threatened with death if they refused to join the armed group.

Harsh detention conditions denounced

The NGO describes extremely severe detention conditions marked by overcrowding, lack of food and water, and repeated physical violence. Former detainees said they witnessed deaths from starvation, dehydration, mistreatment, or summary executions. According to HRW, the exact number of victims remains unknown, but testimonies suggest that hundreds may have died in these camps.

Accusations also targeting Rwanda

Several witnesses said they identified M23 officers in detention centres. Some also stated that instructors and guards were Rwandan nationals and that some wore uniforms of the Rwandan armed forces. These allegations come amid strong regional tensions, with Kigali continuing to deny claims of direct military support to the M23.