Rwanda criticizes HRW report on alleged violence in eastern Congo

15, May-2026 Mugisha R. John

Human Rights Watch came under criticism from the Government of Rwanda after releasing a report accusing Rwandan soldiers and fighters from the M23 rebel group of killings, abductions and sexual abuses in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Government spokesperson Yolande Makolo said on X on May 14 that HRW frequently focuses on Rwanda to demonstrate its relevance.

“HRW has its own way of operating, and Rwanda is always the benchmark it uses to show that it has done its job well,” Makolo wrote.

The criticism followed an HRW report published May 13 alleging abuses in the city of Uvira between Dec. 10, 2025, and Jan. 17, 2026.

Rwanda has repeatedly denied deploying troops in eastern Congo, saying its military presence along the border is defensive and intended to prevent insecurity from spilling into Rwanda. Kigali has also cited the presence of the FDLR armed group near the border as a security threat requiring defensive measures.

Rwandan authorities pointed to shelling in January 2025 in the border city of Rubavu during clashes involving M23 fighters in Goma, saying the incident demonstrated the need for border security measures.

HRW said its findings were based on interviews conducted in March 2026, including discussions with officials from Burundi and Congo. Critics of the report questioned its credibility, arguing that some interviewees were parties to the conflict.

Rwandan officials and critics of HRW also cited previous disputed reports, accusing the organization of failing to correct inaccuracies after publication.