The M23 rebel group staged a massive military parade in Goma over the weekend, showcasing more than 7,000 new recruits a display that has rattled hopes for a fragile peace deal between Congo, Rwanda, and international mediators. The rebels claim the recruits include Congolese soldiers who surrendered during recent fighting and allied militia fighters. But rights groups warn that many may have been coerced, with credible reports of child soldiers and prisoners of war being enlisted against their will.
“We remain deeply concerned about forced recruitment documented since M23’s takeover in North and South Kivu,” said Christian Rumu of Amnesty International. “These fears were reinforced in the latest UN Human Rights Council report.” The show of force comes just weeks before a Washington-hosted peace deal is expected to be signed. A key condition is the withdrawal of Rwanda’s support for M23 and the handover of captured territories to Congolese authorities. Rwanda has denied backing the rebels, but UN experts say thousands of Rwandan troops have bolstered M23 offensives since January.
M23’s resurgence has displaced millions and left at least 3,000 people dead. A new UN report accuses both the rebels and Congo’s armed forces of committing atrocities, including gang rape, sexual slavery, torture, and civilian massacres — raising fears of deepening impunity. While mediation led by Qatar secured commitments from both sides to halt fighting, recent skirmishes and Sunday’s parade suggest the ceasefire is on shaky ground. “This show of strength may derail peace efforts in Doha and Washington,” Rumu warned. For civilians in Goma and Bukavu, who once hoped for relief, the spectacle reinforced despair that peace may remain out of reach.
