In a significant discovery, Congolese authorities have uncovered two mass graves in the eastern part of the country, specifically around the city of Uvira, where the rebel group M23 had recently withdrawn. The governor of the South Kivu province, Jacques Purusi, reported to the Associated Press that one grave contains about 30 bodies located in Kiromoni, near the border with Burundi, while the other grave in Kavimvira holds 141 bodies.

This finding raises serious concerns about human rights violations and the ongoing violence in the region. The presence of mass graves in an area affected by armed conflict underscores the tragedies that have occurred amid the strife associated with rebel groups and government forces. Although the M23 has not commented on the discoveries, the international community is likely to scrutinize these findings closely as they reflect the broader humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

These mass graves could serve as evidence of crimes committed during the hostilities, drawing attention to the need for accountability and justice for victims. The situation in eastern Congo remains precarious as the local population faces ongoing threats of violence and instability, making it imperative for authorities to address the underlying issues driving the conflict.