Armed groups in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – including the Congolese army (FARDC), fighters from the FDLR militia, and pro-government Wazalendo coalitions – stand accused of widespread sexual violence against women, according to a new report.
Findings released by Amnesty International on August 20, 2025, reveal harrowing testimonies of rape and abuse across North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. Survivors recounted brutal attacks, often carried out in broad daylight, which left them with lasting physical injuries and deep emotional trauma.
One 40-year-old woman described how in late March she was stopped by ten Wazalendo fighters while traveling. Six dragged her into the forest after she begged for mercy. “They tied my hands to two trees and took turns raping me,” she said. “They beat me, gagged me, and left me bleeding. Even after treatment, my body is still weak.”
Another woman, from Masisi territory, said she was attacked in January 2024 by three fighters from the APCLS militia, allied with the FDLR. When she resisted, one of them told the others: “Instead of killing her, let’s use her body.” Fearing her children would be left without a mother, she submitted. After the assault, she was warned she would be killed if she ever spoke about it. “I only wish they could suffer the same pain they caused me,” she said.
In North Kivu, a woman identified only as Safia said she was assaulted while harvesting vegetables. She was confronted by four armed men, believed to belong to the Nyatura and FDLR groups. They accused her of collaborating with M23 rebels before raping her. “When I screamed, they mocked me, saying I was calling M23 for help,” she recalled. Afterward, she was left naked in the field and later rejected by her husband and community. “I no longer go to church because of the shame,” she added.
Even government forces have been implicated. In February 2025, as M23 rebels advanced on Bukavu, retreating FARDC troops and Wazalendo militias committed abuses in Uvira territory. A 28-year-old pregnant woman testified that three Congolese soldiers forced their way into her home, beat her husband, and raped her despite her pleas. “I told them I was expecting a child,” she said. “They didn’t care. One handed his gun to another as he took his turn.”
Amnesty International has urged Congolese authorities to investigate and prosecute those responsible, including FARDC officers accused of war crimes.
Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, stated:
“The time has come for President Félix Tshisekedi to uphold his promise of justice and accountability. Wazalendo fighters who committed these crimes must face trial, and others should be reintegrated into civilian life.”
Author: Justinmind HARERIMANA
