Human rights watch denounces m23’s mass forced conscription and inhumane imprisonment in eastern drc

On june 10, the international watchdog human rights watch (hrw) released a report detailing how the m23 rebel group has forcibly enlisted thousands of individuals across eastern democratic republic of Congo. The organisation also highlights extreme detention conditions that have led to numerous deaths among those held captive.

Widespread coerced recruitment

According to hrw, the m23 escalated its forced recruitment campaigns following the capture of the cities of goma and bukavu in early 2025. Thousands of congolese soldiers, members of local armed groups, and civilians are said to have been arrested and held in makeshift detention centres. Witnesses interviewed by the organisation recount abductions from streets, homes, and gatherings at schools and churches, after which victims were transferred to military camps.

Minors among the victims

The report notes that some captives were as young as 12 years old. Many were reportedly sent to training centres where they received military and ideological indoctrination intended to integrate them into m23 ranks. Hrw states that these recruitments were carried out under duress, with detainees threatened with death if they refused to join the armed group.

Harsh detention conditions

Hrw describes detention conditions as particularly severe, characterised by overcrowding, lack of food and water, and repeated physical violence. Former detainees reported witnessing deaths resulting from starvation, dehydration, mistreatment, or summary executions. The exact number of victims remains unknown, but gathered testimonies suggest that hundreds may have perished in these camps.

Allegations also implicating Rwanda

Several witnesses indicated they identified m23 officers within the detention centres. Some also claimed that instructors and guards were of rwandan nationality and that certain individuals wore uniforms of the rwandan armed forces. These allegations surface amid heightened regional tensions, as kigali continues to deny accusations of direct military support to m23.