Amnesty International has identified three detention containers used by the Rwandan army and its M23-AFC allies to detain and torture minors in Rubaya, Masisi territory, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. According to Lane Hartill, an American researcher with Amnesty International, these containers are part of a broader pattern of human rights abuses in mining sites controlled by the M23-AFC. The organization has documented cases of ill-treatment and torture, prompting them to speak out about the situation.
The detention containers were discovered in an area where mining activities are taking place. Amnesty International's research indicates that minors are often detained in these containers and subjected to torture. In some cases, M23-AFC members demand ransoms from families, which can lead to forced labor. If families are unable to pay, they are forced to mine for the group. This is part of a larger report titled "RDC: On n’est pas ici pour jouer" (DRC: We're not here to play), which highlights human rights abuses and resource pillage by the Rwandan army and M23-AFC in the DR Congo.
Amnesty International's report, published on September 21, 2026, details widespread human rights abuses in mining sites controlled by the M23-AFC. The organization has examined two mining sites: a coltan site in Masisi territory, North Kivu, and a gold site in South Kivu. These sites are just a few examples of the many areas controlled by the M23-AFC, where human rights abuses are taking place. According to Hartill, the group's goal is to expose the reality of these mining sites and the abuses that occur there.
The report also highlights cases of forced recruitment of minors, who are sometimes forced to attend training centers controlled by the M23-AFC. The title of the report comes from a quote by a victim who was intimidated by an M23-AFC member. Amnesty International is a global movement dedicated to defending human rights, and this report is part of their efforts to bring attention to the situation in the DR Congo.
The situation in North Kivu is part of a larger conflict in the region. The M23-AFC, a rebel group backed by the Rwandan army, has been active in the area for several years. The group has been accused of numerous human rights abuses, including forced recruitment, torture, and pillage. The DR Congo government has been working to address the situation, but the conflict remains ongoing.
Amnesty International's findings have implications for the international community, which has been working to address the conflict in the DR Congo. The organization's report calls for an end to the human rights abuses and for those responsible to be held accountable. The DR Congo government, as well as international partners, have a role to play in addressing the situation and ensuring that human rights are protected.
The use of detention containers to torture minors is a serious concern for human rights organizations. Amnesty International's report highlights the need for urgent action to address the situation in the DR Congo. The organization will continue to monitor the situation and push for accountability for those responsible for human rights abuses.
Key points
- Amnesty International has identified detention containers used by the Rwandan army and M23-AFC to torture minors in North Kivu, DR Congo.
- The organization's report highlights widespread human rights abuses in mining sites controlled by the M23-AFC.
- The DR Congo government and international partners have a role to play in addressing the situation and ensuring that human rights are protected.
