Kinshasa, April 7th, 2026 (CPA) – More than 1,500 people were killed and 14,400 women raped during the occupation of the city of Uvira, in South Kivu province, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, by Rwandan forces and their AFC-M23 allies, the Minister of Human Rights stated on Tuesday during a press briefing in Kinshasa. “The toll of atrocities committed by Rwanda during the occupation of the city of Uvira stands at more than 1,500 deaths and 14,400 women raped,” said Samuel Mbemba. The minister briefed the press on the human rights situation in Uvira between December 10, 2025 and January 18th, 2026, a period corresponding to the occupation of the city by the Rwandan army and its AFC-M23 allies. During the briefing, Mr. Mbemba presented what he described as a “macabre toll” resulting from these atrocities. “During this period, daily life for the population turned into a struggle for survival. Bombings, summary executions, kidnappings, sexual violence and looting created a climate of widespread terror. The figures speak for themselves and reflect the scale of this humanitarian catastrophe,” he stressed. He added: “More than 300,000 people were displaced, forced to flee their homes and livelihoods. Over 12,000 children have been affected, exposed to school dropout, psychological trauma and family separation.”
The Minister in charge of Human Rights further noted that this tragedy was compounded by systematic looting and destruction of businesses in Uvira, citing more than 162 trucks identified as coming from Rwanda in organized plundering operations. According to the report, several mass graves were also discovered, illustrating the extent of human losses. “Indeed, more than three mass graves were found in Mayi ya Moto with 115 bodies, one in Kilomoni with 31 bodies, one in Kala, two in Rutembo, and two graves in Kaponda,” he specified. Mr. Mbemba assured that these crimes committed by Rwanda in the DRC will not go unpunished, emphasizing that the President of the Republic has activated all mechanisms to ensure justice for the Congolese people.