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Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have found two mass graves in an area recently vacated by M23 rebels.

Some shit you should know before you dig in: If you’re unaware, there has been a brutal war going on in the DRC that dates all the way back to 2012, when the M23 rebels broke off from the Congolese army. At the time, M23 accused the government of failing to honor a peace agreement. The conflict is rooted in ethnic tensions, political power struggles, and control over the region’s vast mineral wealth, which includes trillions of dollars worth of rare earth materials such as cobalt, gold, and tin. Rwanda is accused of backing M23 by providing military support, weapons, and logistical assistance, allegedly profiting from the illegal export of these minerals. Despite the accusations, Rwanda has denied any involvement, insisting that its actions were focused on securing its border from armed groups operating within the DRC. Throughout the war, M23 was accused of severe human rights abuses, including mass executions, recruitment of child soldiers, and rape, leading to mass displacement and a dire humanitarian crisis. Last year, both countries signed an agreement with President Trump that seeks to end hostilities, stabilize the region, and open the door for US investment in rare earth mining. Even with the agreement being signed, there have been some flare-ups that have led to renewed fighting.

What’s going on now: Two mass graves were found on the outskirts of Uvira in South Kivu province after M23 fighters withdrew from the area. According to provincial governor Jean-Jacques Purusi, one grave in the Kiromoni (also spelled Kilomoni) neighborhood had about 30 bodies, while a second in Kavimvira held approximately 141 bodies, bringing the total to at least 171 victims. Some bodies were poorly buried in shallow pits inside residential areas, raising concerns about decomposition and potential health risks.

Governor Purusi has blamed M23 for the killings, alleging that the victims were civilians suspected by the rebels of collaborating with the Congolese army or pro-government militias. He said judicial authorities have opened an investigation and that the graves will not be disturbed until medical and forensic procedures are completed.

M23 has denied responsibility. A spokesperson for the rebel group said they were unaware of any mass graves during their time controlling Uvira and accused the government of spreading propaganda to damage the group’s reputation.