The group shared the figures on Friday, May 30, 2025, during the presentation of its human rights report on areas under its control, challenging earlier estimates by the DRC government and organisations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.

Delion Kimbulungu, a secretary of the AFC/M23, stated that the group discovered the bodies in Goma between February 2 and 13.

“It’s clear that the figure of 3,000 announced by the Kinshasa government was fabricated," Kimbulungu stated.

He also addressed separate claims linking the AFC/M23 to a deadly incident at Munzenze Prison in Goma.

According to Kimbulungu, the events at the prison, including a fire and mass escape, occurred before M23 fighters entered the city.

On the morning of January 27, videos circulated on social media showing Munzenze Prison engulfed in flames as inmates escaped.

The United Nations Human Rights Office later reported that 165 women died in the blaze and that all had been sexually assaulted by the fleeing prisoners.

UN Human Rights spokesperson Seif Magango confirmed the figures came from the DRC justice system, stating, “We haven’t independently verified the justice report, but we believe it is credible.”

“These incidents at Munzenze Prison happened before M23 forces got there,” Kimbulungu added, distancing the group from any involvement.

The AFC/M23 report includes supporting evidence and testimonies. It also outlines the state of human rights in Bukavu since the coalition took control of the city in February 2025.