DAKAR, Senegal — A prominent media advocacy organization has exposed severe human rights violations perpetrated by the M23 rebel faction in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) issued a damning report on Tuesday detailing how the Rwanda-backed insurgents are utilizing metal shipping containers as makeshift detention facilities under what they describe as “inhumane” and “degrading” conditions in the city of Goma.
According to RSF’s investigation, which incorporated witness testimonies, satellite imagery, and photographic evidence gathered in 2025, at least two journalists were among numerous civilians detained within these metal containers situated at the compound of the province’s legislative assembly. The identities of sources providing testimony have been protected for security reasons.
The report reveals disturbing details of the detention conditions, with up to 80 detainees crammed simultaneously into single containers devoid of both light and ventilation. Prisoners were permitted exit only once daily and received minimal food rations, with multiple accounts describing routine physical beatings. Witnesses described extreme temperature fluctuations—suffocating heat during daylight hours followed by intense cold at night—with some fatalities reported under these brutal circumstances. Detainees typically remained captive for several weeks before being transferred to alternative locations.
The M23 rebel group, which seized control of Goma last year, has not responded to requests for comment from The Associated Press regarding these allegations.
This development represents a significant deterioration of press freedom in eastern Congo, where journalists already operated under widespread threats and attacks. RSF notes that the M23 has systematically tightened control over media coverage, including imposing specific linguistic restrictions on how their presence in the region may be described.
The mineral-rich eastern territories of Congo have endured decades of sustained conflict, with government forces combating over 100 armed groups. The M23 rebellion, backed by Rwanda, emerged as the most potent threat, making unprecedented advances throughout the region early last year by capturing key urban centers.
Despite a truce agreement brokered by the United States and Qatar, the ongoing conflict has triggered a massive humanitarian emergency, displacing at least 7 million people from their homes.