Amnesty International has accused the armed group AFC/M23 of committing human rights abuses against civilians, particularly those involved in mining activities in the Democratic Republic of Congo. According to a report released on September 20, 2026, the group has been responsible for killings, forced labor, and other forms of exploitation. The report highlights the group's activities in the eastern part of the country, where they have been involved in the mining of valuable minerals such as coltan and gold.
The report details the experiences of miners who have been subjected to forced labor, with some being paid as little as 5,000 Congolese francs ($2.17) per day. One miner interviewed by Amnesty International described being forced to work long hours in difficult conditions, with some miners being made to work for up to a week underground. The group has also been accused of carrying out arbitrary arrests and detentions, with some miners being held in military uniforms.
Amnesty International has identified specific locations where the abuses have taken place, including the coltan mines near Rubaya in North Kivu and the gold mines of Lomera in South Kivu. The group has also documented the killing of at least 18 miners in Rubaya and Lomera. The report concludes that AFC/M23's actions have had a devastating impact on the local community, with many miners living in fear of the group's activities.
The AFC/M23 has denied allegations of human rights abuses in the past, despite evidence to the contrary. In 2025, the group rejected a report by Amnesty International that accused them of committing abuses against civilians in areas under their control, including the cities of Goma and Bukavu. Amnesty International has reiterated its concerns about the group's actions, calling for them to be held accountable for their human rights abuses.
The report has sparked renewed concerns about the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where armed groups have been accused of committing human rights abuses with impunity. The Congolese government has been criticized for its failure to protect civilians and hold perpetrators accountable. Amnesty International has called on the government to take urgent action to address the situation and ensure that those responsible for human rights abuses are brought to justice.
The mining sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been plagued by violence and exploitation, with many armed groups vying for control of the country's valuable mineral resources. The situation has had a devastating impact on local communities, with many civilians caught in the middle of the conflict. Amnesty International's report highlights the need for greater accountability and action to protect human rights in the region.
The AFC/M23 has yet to comment on the latest report by Amnesty International. However, the group's denial of previous allegations has raised concerns about their willingness to acknowledge and address their human rights abuses. The international community has called for an investigation into the group's activities and for those responsible to be held accountable.
Key points
- Amnesty International accuses AFC/M23 of human rights abuses in Congo's mining sector
- The group has been accused of killings, forced labor, and other forms of exploitation
- The report calls for the Congolese government to take action to protect civilians and hold perpetrators accountable
