In eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the sudden withdrawal of the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group from the city of Uvira on January 17, 2026, has left civilians at grave risk from abusive Wazalendo militias, Human Rights Watch reported. After capturing the city on December 10, 2025, M23 forces had harassed, threatened, and assaulted residents, prompting many Banyamulenge families to flee with the armed group, though some remain behind. The Congolese army deployed in Uvira on January 18, but concerns persist that the Wazalendo militias, which have a history of abuses, may continue to harm civilians.
Following the M23 withdrawal, widespread looting was reported, including homes, shops, churches, and public buildings. Human Rights Watch verified videos showing civilians looting the city courthouse, a Methodist church, a restaurant, government offices, and the city port. Witnesses reported injuries, and investigations are ongoing regarding potential killings. Civilians also face restricted movement, with Wazalendo militias reportedly blocking people from fleeing toward safer areas and the border with Burundi remaining closed.
During M23’s control of Uvira, the group targeted individuals perceived as opposing them, with reports of killings, forced recruitment, and enforced disappearances. Wazalendo militias similarly have a record of harassment, abductions, and restrictions on Banyamulenge access to services. M23 and Rwandan officials have repeatedly invoked the “safety” of the Banyamulenge to justify their actions, with community leaders stating that the group instructed Banyamulenge residents to leave with them to avoid reprisal attacks.
The Congolese government announced a “progressive restoration of state authority” in Uvira on January 19, including security, justice, and humanitarian measures. Human Rights Watch emphasized that authorities, including President Félix Tshisekedi, should publicly ensure protection for the Banyamulenge and other civilians, remove abusive militias, and deploy vetted security forces. There is also a need for prompt financial assistance to those affected by looting and destruction.
Human Rights Watch highlighted the dangers of militias operating without accountability and called for impartial investigations and prosecutions of criminal offenses. The M23 and its coalition have indicated willingness to hand over Uvira to the international community and requested UN deployment, although MONUSCO peacekeepers withdrew from the province in mid-2024. Human rights and civilian protection experts should be rapidly deployed to assess risks and monitor security forces in Uvira.
International actors, including the EU, African Union, United States, and United Kingdom, are urged to increase humanitarian aid, pressure regional governments to protect civilians, and ensure safe passage for those fleeing. Targeted sanctions against Congolese and Rwandan officials responsible for violations of international law are also recommended. Human Rights Watch concluded that M23’s actions, framed as protecting the Banyamulenge, have instead exposed civilians to further violence and underscored the urgent need for trained, accountable security forces to safeguard the population.
