### Analysis of M23 practices in the Democratic Republic of Congo: a concern for human rights
The latest report published by Amnesty International, dated May 27, 2025, highlights an alarming situation concerning the practices of the March 23 movement (M23) in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This armed group, noted for its historical tensions with the Congolese state, is accused of having inflicted inhuman treatments on prisoners, including acts of torture, forced disappearances and conditions of detention deemed cruel. These accusations raise essential questions about the human rights situation in this region already weakened by decades of conflicts.
#### Historical and geopolitical context
The M23 was born in 2012, asserting itself as a response to political and social frustrations within the population of Kivu. This movement was associated with external supports, especially that of Rwanda, which still complicates the dynamics of the region. The presence of armed groups in the east of the DRC is part of a context where natural resources and political interests are often the source of prolonged conflicts.
M23’s commitment to violence practices with regard to civilian populations and detainees does not only aggravate the human rights situation: it also contributes to the destabilization of the whole region. Indeed, military victories and the occupation of certain strategic areas are often made to the detriment of standards of international humanitarian law.
### Torture allegations and their implications
The Amnesty International report reports several disturbing cases of abuse, including the systematic torture of prisoners, resulting in the loss of human life. According to Christian Rumu, campaign in charge of the Great Lakes region, these human rights violations occur in unwanted conditions, which raises the question of control and responsibility. The precise documentation of the suffering inflicted on these prisoners illustrates the severity of these loss of fundamental rights.
The accusations of arbitrary arrests, based on suspicions of collaboration with the government or civil society, also underline the climate of distrust prevail. In a context where the civilian population can be perceived as a potential enemy, the manipulation of accusations can become a daily reality for many inhabitants of the affected areas.
#### Implications for the international community
The absence of surveillance and documentation in the field exacerbates the situation, increasing the risk of impunity for such acts. The call of Amnesty International requesting access to detention sites is therefore fundamental. This type of international monitoring would be essential to establish standards of responsibility and encourage a questioning of the acts committed by the members of the M23.
However, the question of responsibility is not limited to this armed group. The international community must also question the reasons which allowed these violations to last. Shape efforts are necessary in order to strengthen the capacities of human rights structures and to assist the Congolese authorities in their commitment to good governance practices.
#### Final reflections
The current situation in eastern DRC is a reflection of a complex past. While violence continues to strike already weakened populations, the quest for lasting peace requires recognition of fundamental rights and by concrete actions towards victims of violence. International actors have an important role to play, by supporting local initiatives aimed at restoring human dignity.
The light that this Amnesty report throws offers an opportunity for a broad debate on human rights in the region. Rather than polarizing the debate, this situation calls for a collective reflection on the means of eradicating violations and ensuring a future where justice and security would be within everyone’s reach. In a world in search of peace, listening and understanding seem to be essential bridges towards a better future.