Authorities in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo say mass graves containing at least 171 bodies have been discovered in areas recently vacated by the M23 militia, deepening concerns over alleged atrocities in the conflict-ravaged region.

South Kivu provincial Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi announced Thursday that two burial sites were identified in the Kiromoni and Kavimvira neighborhoods on the outskirts of the eastern city of Uvira.

“At this stage, we have identified two sites: one mass grave containing approximately 30 bodies in Kiromoni, not far from the Burundian border on the Congolese side, and another in Kavimvira where 141 bodies were found,” Purusi said.

The governor alleged that the victims were killed during the period when M23 fighters controlled the area, claiming that many of the deceased were suspected by the rebels of having links to the Congolese army or pro-government militias.

The Executive Secretariat of the Local Network for the Protection of Civilians, a regional civil society group, also confirmed knowledge of the graves. However, the organization said its representatives were prevented from accessing the sites by the Congolese military.

Yves Ramadhani, the group’s vice-president, stated that preliminary information indicates the victims were killed by M23 fighters. He called for an independent investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The M23 militia did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the allegations.

The discovery comes amid an intensifying conflict in eastern Congo that has created one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, more than 7 million people have been displaced by ongoing violence, insecurity, and repeated clashes between armed groups and government forces.

Eastern Congo has long been plagued by armed insurgencies competing for territorial control and access to mineral-rich areas. The re-emergence of M23 in recent years has further destabilized the region, prompting regional diplomatic efforts and international concern.

Authorities have not yet announced whether forensic teams or international observers will be deployed to examine the mass graves. Calls for accountability are mounting as local communities demand answers about the identities of the victims and the circumstances of their deaths.

The situation in South Kivu remains tense, with residents fearing renewed clashes despite the militia’s reported withdrawal from parts of the Uvira area. (ILKHA)