SUMMARY

The Rally for Congolese Democracy (RCD), also known as RCD-Goma, emerged in August 1998 during the Second Congo War. Formed with substantial backing from Rwanda and Uganda, RCD aimed to overthrow President Laurent-Désiré Kabila's government. The conflict's backdrop included regional instability, ethnic tensions, and competition over the DR Congo (Zaire)'s vast natural resources. The group rapidly established control over significant territories in eastern DR Congo, including parts of Nord and Sud Kivu, where it exercised de facto governance. During its struggle against the Government of DR Congo, RCD engaged in significant one-sided violence against civilians. These actions were primarily concentrated in the eastern regions of the country, notably in Nord and Sud Kivu, Maniema, and northern Katanga.

RCD forces frequently targeted civilians in retaliation for attacks by government forces or rival militias, such as the Mayi Mayi. These reprisals often involved summary executions, arbitrary killings, and other forms of violence against unarmed populations. In addition to retaliatory attacks, RCD was responsible for unprovoked massacres and random killings of civilians, aiming to instill fear and suppress any perceived dissent or resistance within the territories under their control.

The tactics employed by RCD included mass killings, sexual violence, abductions, and the destruction of property. These actions were not isolated incidents but part of a broader strategy to exert control over occupied regions and exploit local resources. The group's operations often blurred the lines between military objectives and civilian targets, leading to widespread human rights abuses and violations of international humanitarian law.

RCD first became active as a one-sided actor in the UCDP data in 1998, when the one-sided violence resulted in at least 25 civilian deaths. The threshold was reached in August that year when the group massacred hundreds of civilians in Kasinka, Sud Kivu.