M23 rebels have advanced towards Uvira, a key city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, leading to reports of sporadic gunfire and explosions. This offensive has resulted in the displacement of thousands of residents, with many crossing the border into Burundi.
Reports from residents and military sources indicate that government soldiers have retreated from Uvira. Concurrently, South Kivu Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi has publicly denied these reports, stating that the city remains under government control. Local media and a rights official reported rebel presence in central Uvira during Tuesday night and warned of potential escalation if remaining soldiers offered significant resistance.
The United States, European Union, and eight European nations have issued a joint statement expressing concern over the violence and accusing Rwanda of supporting the M23 offensive. They have called for an immediate cessation of hostilities. Rwanda has denied these allegations, countering that DR Congo's government and Burundi have violated a ceasefire. UN experts have reported that Rwanda's army is in de facto control of M23 operations.
Since the current phase of fighting began earlier this month, the United Nations reports that approximately 200,000 people have been displaced in eastern DR Congo. At least 74 fatalities, primarily civilians, and 83 injuries requiring hospitalization have been recorded. Burundian administrative sources have documented over 30,000 arrivals in one week, with more than 8,000 daily arrivals in recent days.
This latest offensive occurs despite a recent US-brokered peace agreement between DR Congo President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame. The M23 is not party to this specific agreement and is involved in separate mediation efforts led by Qatar. President Tshisekedi has accused Rwanda of violating the peace accord and engaging in a proxy war over mineral-rich areas. Rwanda, in turn, has accused the armies of DR Congo and Burundi of bombing villages near its border, displacing over 1,000 civilians into Rwandan territory.
Eastern DR Congo has experienced prolonged conflict for over three decades, dating back to the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Multiple peace agreements initiated since the 1990s have not held. The region is characterized by numerous armed groups competing with central authorities for power and control over resources.