Rwanda has strongly rejected allegations made by Human Rights Watch (HRW) and two United Nations human rights offices, which accuse the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) of involvement in civilian killings in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In a statement released on Friday, August 22, 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation dismissed the reports as “sensational, unfounded, and politically motivated.”
The disputed reports alleged that more than 140 civilians were killed across 14 villages in Rutshuru Territory, near Virunga National Park, with the attacks attributed to the M23 rebellion “supported by the Rwanda Defence Force.”
The UN’s Joint Human Rights Office had earlier suggested that over 300 civilians were killed in related incidents. Rwanda, however, insists that these accusations are without merit.
“The Government of Rwanda firmly rejects the findings of Human Rights Watch, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the UN Joint Human Rights Office, alleging mass killings of civilians in Binza, Rutshuru Territory by M23 supported by the Rwanda Defence Force,” the ministry declared.
The statement underlined that even Human Rights Watch admitted it did not independently verify the alleged killings, casting doubt on the credibility of its conclusions.
Officials in Kigali further questioned the timing of the reports, suggesting that they are part of a coordinated attempt to derail ongoing diplomatic efforts in the region.
“These salacious claims, which raise more questions than answers, are not the result of any credible investigation. They have been hastily released through leaks to media in an attempt to entrench a pre-determined narrative,” the ministry noted.
The government emphasized that the accusations came just as M23 representatives and the Congolese government were preparing to return to Doha negotiations and as Rwanda and the DRC were beginning to implement the June 27 Washington Peace Agreement.
This deal includes provisions for neutralizing the DRC-backed FDLR militia, which Kigali has consistently described as the root cause of instability in eastern Congo.
The ministry also highlighted Human Rights Watch’s “long history of making implausible accusations against Rwanda, often coinciding with politically sensitive moments.” Despite this, Rwanda reiterated its commitment to peace and regional cooperation.
“Despite the lack of good faith and obstructionist attitude of these non-state actors, Rwanda remains focused on working towards a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Great Lakes region, including through the Washington DC Peace Agreement and the Doha process.”
