Hrw report details m23 forced recruitment and harsh detention in eastern drc

Human Rights Watch published a damning report on June 10 detailing how the M23 armed group has forcibly enlisted thousands of people in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The organization further condemns appalling detention conditions that have led to numerous deaths among captives.

Mass forced recruitment campaigns

According to HRW, the M23 intensified its forced recruitment operations after capturing the cities of Goma and Bukavu in early 2025. Thousands of Congolese soldiers, members of local armed groups, and civilians were rounded up and held in makeshift detention centers. Witnesses told investigators that people were snatched from streets, homes, schools, and churches before being transferred to military camps.

Children among those taken

The report notes that some detainees were as young as 12 years old. Many were sent to training facilities where they received military and ideological instruction designed to integrate them into M23 ranks. HRW states that recruitment was carried out under duress, with detainees threatened with death if they refused to join the armed group.

Brutal detention conditions

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, and summary executions. HRW says the exact number of victims remains unknown, but testimonies suggest hundreds may have died in these camps.

Allegations also implicate Rwanda

Multiple witnesses reported identifying M23 officers inside the detention centers. Some also stated that instructors and guards were Rwandan nationals, with some wearing Rwandan military uniforms. These accusations come amid high regional tensions, as Kigali continues to deny allegations of direct military support to M23.