The Red Cross of South Kivu has dismissed claims made by Amnesty International that 406 bodies were collected in the province between February 17 and March 13, 2025.
In a communiqué dated March 20, 2025, the humanitarian organization clarified that it had never provided such data, emphasizing its neutrality, impartiality, and confidentiality in all its operations.
“The Red Cross of the DRC/South Kivu wishes to clarify to both the national and international public that these data did not come from our organization,” stated John Kashinzwe Kibekenge, the Provincial Secretary of the South Kivu Red Cross. The organization expressed concern that its name was being misused in what appeared to be a campaign of misinformation.
The Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23) has strongly condemned the false allegations spread by Amnesty International, describing them as part of a wider propaganda effort aimed at tarnishing its image.
AFC/M23 accused certain human rights organizations of irresponsibly relaying unverified information that aligns with the interests of the Kinshasa regime. The movement criticized Amnesty International for failing to meet factual accuracy standards and for publishing reports that exaggerate and distort reality.
“These false allegations have been categorically refuted by the Red Cross, yet Amnesty International continues to spread misinformation that serves political interests rather than the truth,” AFC/M23 said in a statement.
Faced with this situation, AFC/M23 is calling on both the international and national community to reject reports that lack credible verification and contribute to escalating tensions in the region. The movement reaffirmed its strict adherence to international humanitarian law and stressed that it has no intention of shirking its international obligations.
As the conflict in eastern DRC continues, AFC/M23 expressed concern that the systematic distortion of facts by certain organizations only serves to fuel instability rather than promote a path toward peace and resolution.