A rebel group in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has detained civilians, including two journalists, in metal containers lacking lighting and ventilation, a human rights organization said Tuesday.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) indicated that the M23, supported by Rwanda and which controls parts of eastern DRC, had used these containers in the city of Goma as makeshift detention cells, in "inhumane" and "degrading" conditions .
Based on testimonies, satellite images, and photos collected in 2025, RSF reported that at least two journalists were among those detained in these containers, which had been installed on the grounds of the provincial legislative assembly in Goma. The identities of the witnesses were not disclosed for security reasons.
Up to 80 detainees at a time were crammed into a container without light or ventilation and were only allowed out once a day. Witnesses reported receiving only minimal food rations, while some reported regular beatings.
According to eyewitness accounts, conditions were extreme—stifling heat during the day and freezing cold at night—and deaths were reported. Survivors were often detained for weeks before being transferred to other locations.
The M23 did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Associated Press.
The rebel takeover of Goma last year worsened working conditions for journalists operating in eastern DRC, where threats and attacks were already commonplace. Reporters Without Borders indicated that the M23 had tightened its control over media coverage, even imposing restrictions on the vocabulary used to describe its presence.
Mineral-rich eastern DRC has been ravaged by decades of turmoil, with government forces battling more than 100 armed groups, the most powerful of which is the Rwandan-backed M23. The group made unprecedented advances in the region early last year, seizing key towns as it rapidly expanded its presence.
The conflict, which continues to rage despite a truce negotiated by the United States and Qatar, has triggered a massive humanitarian crisis , with at least 7 million people displaced.
