Human Rights Watch Reports Executions and Rapes During Occupation of Uvira

The group documented the killings of civilians including summary executions by both rebel fighters and government soldiers who occupied the city. It said the sexual violence targeted women during the period of control by the armed groups.

Human Rights Watch said the events occurred as part of the occupation of Uvira. The organization based its findings on interviews with witnesses and survivors as well as supporting evidence collected from the area. The report urged local authorities to conduct investigations into the alleged killings and rapes.

It called for those responsible to be held accountable under national and international law. Human Rights Watch also recommended that aid organizations provide medical and psychosocial support to survivors of the sexual violence. The group noted that the incidents took place in a region that has seen repeated cycles of conflict involving multiple armed factions.

The organization stated that its documentation covers a specific period of rebel and soldier presence in Uvira. It said further details on the timeline and identities of units involved remain under investigation.