The UN Human Rights Office said on Friday that armed groups in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, including M23 rebels and government forces, committed serious violations that may amount to war crimes, citing killings, rapes and torture.
The UN Human Rights Office has accused multiple parties in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s ongoing conflict of committing atrocities that could amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.
According to its Fact-Finding Mission, the Rwandan-backed rebel group M23, the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC), and affiliated militias such as the Wazalendo have carried out widespread violations of international humanitarian law since fighting escalated in late 2023.
Abuses detailed
The report cites summary executions, enforced disappearances, and systematic sexual violence as key violations. It states that M23 fighters used rape, including gang rape, to punish and degrade victims, mainly women.
Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, described the findings as “horrific” and urged accountability.
M23 seized Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo, in January and advanced further across North and South Kivu. Thousands have been killed this year, and hundreds of thousands displaced, in a region that is rich in minerals such as tin, gold and coltan.
Rwanda’s role
The UN report said M23 received training and operational support from Rwanda’s Defence Forces, alleging covert RDF involvement. Kigali has denied backing M23, insisting its troops only defend against Congolese forces and Hutu militias tied to the 1994 genocide.
M23 itself has also rejected accusations of atrocities.
Government abuses
The UN said Congo’s army and pro-government militias were also implicated in grave abuses, including killings, looting and sexual violence against civilians.
Stalled peace efforts
Mediation by Qatar led to a declaration of principles signed in July, with both sides pledging to pursue peace talks in August. However, the deadline passed without progress, leaving the conflict unresolved.
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Iran and the U.S. exchanged threats on Tuesday, as U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Tehran to expect the “most intense day" of attacks so far. Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said “anyone who entertains the illusion of destroying Iran knows nothing of history."
The Strait of Hormuz has become a focal point of global concern as tensions rise following the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel. Tehran has threatened to block the strategic waterway, raising fears of disruption to global oil shipments and energy markets.
Reports of so-called “acid clouds” moving from Iran towards Central Asia are not supported by scientific data, national hydrometeorological services in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan say, adding there is no threat to the region.
Tensions in the region remained high on Tuesday (10 March), as the United States and Iran exchanged increasingly sharp warnings, including threats over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil supplies.
Global oil prices surpassed $119 a barrel on Monday (9 March, 2026), an almost four year high, as the Middle East conflict rumbled on.
China has urged Afghanistan and Pakistan to resolve their dispute through dialogue after Chinese envoy Yue Xiaoyong met Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, as fighting between the two neighbours entered its eleventh day.
Entry and exit across the state border between Azerbaijan and Iran for all types of cargo vehicles, including those in transit, will resume on 9 March, according to a statement by the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan.
Iran named Mojtaba Khamenei to succeed his father Ali Khamenei as supreme leader on Monday (9 March), signaling that hardliners remain firmly in charge, as the week-old U.S.-Israeli war with Iran pushed oil above $100 a barrel.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, has addressed the U.N. Security Council, saying the world must consider how effective its engagement with the Taliban-run country is as millions face hunger.
British MPs have rejected a proposal to introduce an Australia-style ban on social media for under-16s, opting instead to give ministers flexible powers to impose restrictions on platforms.
Australia has granted humanitarian visas to five Iranian women footballers who sought asylum, fearing persecution after refusing to sing their national anthem at an Asia Cup match.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 10th of March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. President Donald Trump called his recent phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin “very good.” The two leaders spoke on Monday about the situation in Iran and other international issues.
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