Maps
Magazine

WORLD NEWS

Rwanda-Backed M23 Rebels Capture Uvira, Over 400 Civilians Killed in Eastern DRC Violence
More than 400 civilians have died as M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, take control of Uvira in eastern DRC. US and UN call for ceasefire and withdrawal of foreign forces amid escalating humanitarian crisis.
MH
by Muhammad Hashir
2025-12-11
Rwanda-Backed M23 Rebels Capture Uvira, Over 400 Civilians Killed in Eastern DRC Violence

Fighting in South Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has left over 400 civilians dead as the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group seized control of the strategic town of Uvira, officials reported on Thursday. The latest offensive has also displaced approximately 200,000 people, heightening the humanitarian crisis in the mineral-rich eastern DRC.

Rapid M23 Offensive

M23 launched a swift attack on Uvira earlier this week, consolidating control on Wednesday. Residents reported sporadic gunfire on the outskirts of the city on Thursday, despite prior assurances from the government that the city would remain under control. Uvira, located on the northern tip of Lake Tanganyika and across from Burundi’s largest city, Bujumbura, is a critical port and strategic hub.

The South Kivu government spokesperson stated that “more than 413 civilians have been killed by bullets, grenades, and bombs, including many women, children, and young people”, in areas between Uvira and Bukavu, the provincial capital. The spokesperson also alleged the involvement of Rwandan special forces and foreign mercenaries, violating both the recent ceasefire and earlier agreements from Washington and Doha.

US and UN Concerns

The United States and the United Nations have expressed deep concern over the escalation. US officials urged Rwanda to halt support for M23 and called for an immediate cessation of offensive operations. UN experts estimate up to 4,000 Rwandan soldiers are operating in eastern DRC, while M23 now has roughly 6,500 fighters. Rwanda has denied backing the rebels but acknowledged maintaining troops and missile systems in the region, citing security concerns.

Humanitarian Crisis

The conflict in eastern DRC involves over 100 armed groups vying for control of the mineral-rich territory. Officials report that more than seven million people have been displaced, making it one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. Residents of Uvira, who had spent days in hiding or fleeing to the countryside, returned cautiously to search for food amid ongoing insecurity.

Local teachers and residents described the situation as a stark contrast to official reassurances, highlighting the fragility of the peace process. The recent US-mediated peace agreement between DRC and Rwanda, signed last week in Washington, is now under serious threat of collapse, especially as M23 was not part of the accord.

International Implications

The capture of Uvira by M23 underscores the complex dynamics of the DRC conflict, with regional tensions, foreign military involvement, and competition over natural resources exacerbating instability. Both the US and UN continue to press for adherence to ceasefire agreements and a withdrawal of foreign forces to prevent further civilian casualties and displacement.
Tagged:

HumanitarianCrisis

M23

DRCConflict

Uvira
Share News: