In a troubling development in the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, authorities have uncovered two mass graves with at least 171 bodies in areas where the M23 rebel group has recently withdrawn. The findings have been reported by both the governor of South Kivu province and a local civil society organization, which allege that the M23 executed individuals suspected of affiliations with the Congolese army or pro-government militias. This discovery comes amidst escalating violence in the region, which continues despite attempts at peace through a US-mediated deal.

The identified mass graves are located in the Kiromoni and Kavimvira neighborhoods on the outskirts of Uvira, a city in eastern Congo that has been a hotspot for conflict. The governor, Jean-Jacques Purusi, has indicated that these incidents of extrajudicial killings contribute to a broader pattern of violence in the region, where both the M23 and Congolese military have faced accusations from rights groups regarding human rights abuses and killings. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing efforts to assess the full extent of the tragedy and to bring those responsible to justice.

The discovery of these mass graves raises serious human rights concerns and underscores the need for international attention to the ongoing crisis in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. As the situation develops, it calls into question the effectiveness of peace agreements and the challenges faced by humanitarian and civil society organizations striving to ensure the safety of civilians caught in the conflict. This incident highlights the urgent need for international cooperation and support to address the root causes of the violence in this volatile region.