Clementine de Montjoye, HRW's Senior Great Lakes Researcher the situation has become "incredibly concerning".

Since the M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, seized Goma in January, the situation in North and South Kivu provinces has rapidly deteriorated, with a disturbing surge of violence, intimidation, and repression.

The M23 and their political-military allies, the Alliance of Flova DRC, have increasingly targeted individuals critical of their activities, including journalists and activists. HRW’s investigation has uncovered harrowing accounts of individuals being forced into hiding, either because of direct threats or violent raids. Testimonies from local activists and journalists, coupled with evidence of arbitrary detentions and even summary executions, paint a grim picture of the situation.

De Montjoye pointed out the dire circumstances faced by those in the region, as many are unable to escape due to the closure of Goma’s airport and blocked border crossings into Rwanda. Individuals attempting to flee have been detained by Rwandan authorities, some later handed back to M23 forces.

The report also draws attention to the DRC government’s actions, which have included threats against journalists reporting on the conflict, further stifling independent media. De Montjoye called for urgent international pressure on both Rwanda and the DRC to uphold human rights and ensure journalists and activists can work without fear of violence, detention, or worse.  

--ChannelAfrica--