UN says DRC rebels killed scores of farmers, M23 suggests 'smear'
M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa told Reuters it would investigate but the report could be a "smear campaign".
The U.N. rights body's account has not been previously reported and emerged as US President Donald Trump's administration pushes for peace between DRC and Rwanda that it hopes will unlock billions in mineral investments.
Reuters has not been able to independently confirm the killings but a local activist cited witnesses as describing M23 combatants using guns and machetes to kill scores of civilians.
The M23 and Congolese government have pledged to work towards peace by August 18 after the rebels this year seized more territory than ever before in fighting that has killed thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands more.
According to findings by the UN Joint Human Rights Office (UNJHRO), which monitors DRC, the M23 operation that led to the farmers' killings began on July 9 in the Rutshuru territory of North Kivu province.
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