Country Report: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Lina Abdellatif
November 6, 2026
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) conflict continues to deteriorate, and the DRC ranks among the world's most neglected displacement disasters. Armed conflict and civilian abuse continue to cause displacement, with 46,475 newly displaced households this year.
The crisis in the DRC originates from post-colonial power struggles that failed to overcome ethnic divisions and economic hierarchies. Anti-Tutsi exclusion in politics and media led to the Rwandan Genocide Against the Tutsi, and it continues to disenfranchise Congolese Tutsi and Banyamulenge. More than 6 million lives have been lost, and 9 million people have been displaced since the First and Second Congo Wars.
The Rwanda-backed M23 has controlled Goma and Bukavu since 2025, where much of the conflict occurs. Recent M23 attacks in Goma killed over 200 people. Attacks between Uvira and Bukavu resulted in 413 deaths.
The illicit mineral trade funds and fuels conflict in the DRC. Over 40,000 children are responsible for mineral mining. M23 mines use both child labor and forced labor. Coltan is smuggled to Rwanda from M23-owned mines in Rubaya and gold from mines in Lomera. In 2026, M23 abuse resulted in the death of 18 miners. Over 120 armed groups fight to control mineral-rich eastern DRC. In 2025, the Islamic State Militia Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) led mass killings in Ituri, targeting 60 Christians and killing over 250 people. In 2026, Cooperative for the Development of the Congo (CODECO) fighters carried out attacks in the Ituri province, killing more than 69 civilians. The Collective of Movements for Change-People's Defense Forces (CMC-FDP), a Congolese-backed militia, killed, raped, and tortured civilians in Rutshuru, North Kivu during recent attacks.
In 2025, 90,000 cases of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) were reported in the DRC, including 35,000 against kids. The United Nations Joint Human Rights Office (UNJHRO) found M23 perpetrated the most CRSV.
Critics argue the accords fail to hold M23 and Rwanda accountable for former atrocities. Following the 2025 Peace Agreement between Rwanda and the DRC, M23 executed 319 civilians in Rutshuru. Days after the signing of the 2025 Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity, M23 invaded Uvira and executed 62 civilians. Despite United States (US) sanctions, President Paul Kagame denies ever supporting M23. Faced with the deterioration of the DRC’s security, health, and humanitarian response systems, victims have demanded that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) force Rwanda to cease its human rights abuses.
Because of targeted attacks against ethnic minorities such as Nyindu, Bembe, Nande, Lega, Hunde, and Bashi communities, and Rwanda’s denial of accountability, Genocide Watch considers the Democratic Republic of the Congo to be at Stage 8: Persecution, Stage 9: Extermination, and Stage 10: Denial.
Genocide Watch recommends:
Rwanda should take accountability for M23’s human rights abuses.
International actors should cease all business with Rwandan mineral and gold refineries.
United States, European Union, and other actors should condition aid to Rwanda on verified withdrawal.
The ICJ should hold a fair trial and determine accountability for Rwanda’s war crimes in the DRC.
The government of the DRC must protect civilian populations at risk.
