The United Nations Office for Human Rights in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has released its monthly report for September, documenting 619 human rights violations and abuses — an exceptionally high figure. More than 85% of these abuses occurred in the eastern provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri, where ongoing conflict continues to threaten civilian populations.
Armed conflict in the east remains the primary driver behind these violations. North Kivu alone recorded 345 cases, while South Kivu registered 121, most of them linked to the offensive launched in January by the March 23 Movement (M23), which is responsible for 177 abuses. Numerous other armed groups also remain active, particularly in Ituri, where 67 violations were reported. Major perpetrators include the Wazalendo self-defense militias supported by Kinshasa, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) affiliated with the Islamic State, and the CODECO militias drawn from the Lendu community.
Overall, 74% of the violations recorded in September were committed by armed groups. Congolese security forces were also implicated:
61 cases involved the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC)
60 cases involved the Congolese National Police
In total, state agents were responsible for roughly one-fifth of all documented abuses.
The UN office also reported 201 victims of conflict-related sexual violence in September alone. The main perpetrators included:
M23: 42 victims
Wazalendo: 28 victims
CODECO: 9 victims
Twirwaneho: 14 victims
The Burundian armed group RED-Tabara was particularly notorious, with 50 victims, including 36 women and 11 girls. State forces were also implicated:
16 victims attributed to Congolese soldiers
3 to the police
1 to the National Intelligence Agency
1 to the Republican Guard
Burundian and Ugandan soldiers were additionally implicated in rape cases in Ituri and North Kivu.
Shrinking Civic Space
The report highlights a worrying contraction of civic space and fundamental freedoms in several provinces, from South Kivu to Kinshasa, as well as in Haut-Katanga and Sud-Ubangi. Human rights defenders, journalists, and ordinary citizens are increasingly targeted by restrictions and pressure. While certain initiatives to combat impunity exist, progress remains insufficient. Although authorities prosecute some military personnel and members of armed groups — resulting in convictions before military courts — these efforts fall short of addressing the scale of the problem.
Strengthening nationwide training programs for magistrates, civil society actors, and human rights defenders is therefore essential. Such initiatives aim to bolster national capacities and support institutions that are already strained by a fragile security and political environment.
Towards a Sustainable Response
Given the magnitude of the violations and the persistence of destabilizing factors, it is crucial that Congolese authorities — with support from regional and international partners — intensify their efforts to protect civilians, prevent violence, and combat impunity. A sustainable exit from the crisis requires closer coordination among national institutions, judicial actors, civil society organizations, and security mechanisms, alongside renewed inclusive political dialogue and targeted efforts to address the root causes of the conflict.
Only a comprehensive approach integrating security, justice, governance, and development will restore trust, stabilize the affected provinces, and offer the population a genuine prospect for peace and reconciliation.