Central Africa: Civilians at Risk in Eastern Congo Amid Widespread Crackdowns on Freedoms
In its World Report 2026, released on February 4, 2026, Human Rights Watch (HRW) highlighted escalating dangers faced by civilians in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) due to rampant abuses by government forces and armed groups. 0 The report also detailed a broader regional trend of suppressing civil and political rights in Burundi, the Central African Republic (CAR), the DRC, and Rwanda, underscoring a year of heightened risks for populations in Central Africa. As conflicts persist and governments tighten control, millions remain displaced, with impunity fueling cycles of violence and repression. This article examines the key findings from HRW and related sources, providing context on the ongoing crises in the region.
Escalating Violence in Eastern Congo: A Humanitarian Catastrophe
Eastern DRC remains one of the world’s most volatile regions, where over 100 armed groups operate alongside government forces, leading to widespread atrocities against civilians. 33 HRW’s 2026 report emphasizes that abuses, including mass killings, sexual violence, and forced displacements, have intensified in the past year, particularly in provinces like North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri. The conflict between the Rwandan-backed M23 armed group and Congolese forces has been a major driver, resulting in hundreds of civilian deaths and exacerbating a displacement crisis affecting nearly 6 million people internally—more than anywhere else in Africa.
Specific incidents documented by HRW include M23 rebels, supported by Rwandan forces, executing over 140 civilians in 14 villages near Virunga National Park in July 2025. 22 Survivors recounted being marched from farms and executed with guns or machetes, with bodies dumped in rivers. The United Nations estimated the toll exceeded 300, predominantly Hutu farmers, raising concerns of ethnic targeting. In one August 2025 report, HRW noted that M23 and Rwandan troops shelled displacement camps around Goma, endangering thousands more. 33 Government forces have also been implicated in abuses, with martial law in North Kivu and Ituri facilitating arbitrary arrests, torture, and extrajudicial killings by security personnel.
Sexual violence has surged as a weapon of war, with clinics reporting a child raped every 30 minutes in M23-controlled areas, according to UNICEF citations in independent analyses. 19 HRW reports that both armed groups and Congolese soldiers commit rape with impunity, compounded by funding cuts from donors like the U.S., leaving clinics short of post-rape kits and emergency care. 33 In South Kivu, militias backed by the army threaten civilians, while the fall of cities like Uvira to M23 in December 2025 heightened spillover risks into neighboring Burundi. 5
The broader humanitarian impact is staggering: over 7,000 deaths, hundreds raped, and nearly 5 million displaced in recent years, as noted in analyses of military contractor reports. 24 Armed groups like the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and CODECO have conducted massacres, abductions, and child recruitment, while government support to some militias perpetuates the chaos. HRW calls for urgent international sanctions, prosecutions, and civilian protection measures, criticizing peace accords with Rwanda for failing to address accountability. 0
Crackdown on Freedoms in Burundi: Persistent Repression Under Ndayishimiye
In Burundi, President Évariste Ndayishimiye’s administration has continued the legacy of repression from his predecessor, Pierre Nkurunziza, despite initial promises of reform. 31 HRW’s report points to entrenched suppression of civil society and media, with extrajudicial killings, disappearances, and arbitrary arrests targeting opposition members. The ruling National Council for the Defense of Democracy-Forces for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD) maintains a monopoly on power, stifling dissent.
Key issues include abusive prosecutions and restrictions on free speech, with journalists and activists facing harassment. In 2021, four prominent journalists were released after international pressure, but several human rights defenders remain imprisoned. 15 Security forces have been accused of killings, detentions, and torture of perceived opponents, deepening insecurity. Elections are marred by repression, with opposition unable to participate freely due to censorship and violence.
Burundian refugees in Tanzania have faced disappearances and forced returns, though these were halted amid concerns. 31 The government’s failure to cooperate with UN investigations perpetuates impunity. HRW urges renewed UN oversight and reforms to address judicial independence and accountability for abuses since 2015. 31 Recent tensions with Rwanda, including border closures after M23’s advance on Uvira, have exacerbated regional instability, with Burundi blaming Kigali for security threats. 5
Central African Republic: Armed Conflicts and Shrinking Democratic Space
The CAR grapples with ongoing armed conflict, where civilians endure killings, torture, and abuses by armed groups and Russia-linked forces. 32 A 2019 peace deal collapsed after rebel attacks in late 2020, leaving the government reliant on UN peacekeepers and international allies to control Bangui. One in four Central Africans is displaced, either internally or as refugees abroad.
Freedoms are under severe crackdown: journalists, civil society, and opposition face harassment, with activists arrested during events and leaders detained in abusive facilities. 32 The 2021 elections saw limited voter participation due to armed group threats, amid concerns over democratic erosion. Wartime abuses continue with impunity, though the Special Criminal Court has initiated investigations, including arrests of former armed group leaders. 32 Trials at the International Criminal Court target anti-balaka and Seleka suspects.
Vulnerable groups, such as older people and children with disabilities, suffer disproportionately in conflicts. 32 HRW’s 2025 report noted governments suppressing rights in election contexts, with little accountability for violations. 4 Recent elections in December 2025 risk violent opposition crackdowns, as warned by the International Crisis Group. 5
Democratic Republic of Congo: Beyond the East – Political Repression Nationwide
While eastern DRC dominates headlines, the broader country faces a crackdown on freedoms under President Felix Tshisekedi’s administration. 33 HRW reports arbitrary arrests of opposition leaders since May 2023, restricting expression and assembly ahead of elections. The UN Joint Human Rights Office noted a narrowing civic space, political violence, and hate speech risking electoral credibility. 17
Security forces have used excessive force against protesters, with martial law enabling abuses. 3 Journalists and critics face threats, while poor governance contributes to a food crisis displacing 5.8 million. 33 Trials like that of ex-warlord Roger Lumbala for crimes against humanity offer some justice, but systemic reforms are lacking. 33
Rwanda: Targeting Critics and Enforced Disappearances
In Rwanda, the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) targets perceived threats, with arrests of high-profile critics and failures to investigate disappearances or suspicious deaths. 30 Arbitrary detention, ill-treatment, and torture are common, especially in political cases using security charges. Fair trial standards are often ignored.
HRW notes Rwanda’s role in eastern DRC conflicts, backing M23 and committing atrocities, including shelling and mass killings. 9 Domestically, suppression of dissent persists, with critics jailed or threatened. Despite Rwanda’s peacekeeping contributions and gender equality advances, as highlighted in regional analyses, human rights concerns remain. 20
Regional Impunity and Calls for Action
Across Central Africa, impunity perpetuates abuses, with regional bodies like the African Union and SADC failing to enforce obligations. 2 HRW urges international pressure for civilian protection, accountability, and democratic reforms. 0 As Lewis Mudge, HRW’s Central Africa director, stated, regional and international bodies must push governments to uphold rights amid increasing risks. 0 With conflicts spilling over borders and freedoms eroded, the region’s stability hangs in the balance.
