Mass Graves Found in Uvira, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Two mass graves containing at least 172 bodies were discovered in Uvira, Democratic Republic of the Congo, following the withdrawal of the March 23 Movement. The rebels briefly captured Uvira in December before withdrawing under United States pressure. Jean-Jacques Purusi, the governor of South Kivu province, confirmed the findings in the Kilomoni and Kavimvira neighborhoods. Human Rights Watch had previously reported summary executions by March 23 Movement fighters in Uvira, while also noting abuses by the Congolese army. Lawrence Kanyuka, spokesperson for the March 23 Movement, denied knowledge of the graves and accused the government of propaganda. Fighting continues in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo despite mediation efforts by nations like Qatar and the United States. Rwanda denies allegations from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the United Nations, and Western powers that it supports the March 23 Movement.