Residents and local officials reported that the rebel group M23, allegedly backed by Rwanda, is advancing toward the lakeside town of Uvira on the Burundi border. They say fighting has broken out with Congolese troops and local militias known as Wazalendo in villages to the north of the town.
Just last Thursday, the US hosted the presidents of Rwanda and DRC for a summit where a new pact was signed, brokered by the United States and Qatar, declaring a commitment to end the decade long war. “Today we’re succeeding where so many others have failed,” declared US President Donald Trump, claiming the deal would end a conflict that has cost millions of lives.
Yet by Monday, reports emerged that M23 had captured Luvungi, a town that had served as the frontline since February, and that fierce fighting was underway near Sange and Kiliba, villages en route north toward Uvira. While a local official and some residents said they fled ahead of M23’s advance, the rebels claimed to have taken Sange. A Congolese army spokesperson did not reply to requests for comment.
Rwanda denies supporting the rebel group, but both Washington and the United Nations insist there is clear proof of Rwandan backing. Before this recent surge in violence, the conflict had already displaced at least 1.2 million people.
The US State Department said late Monday it was “deeply concerned” about the renewed fighting, warning that Rwanda must act to prevent further escalation. Meanwhile, the DRC’s President accused Rwanda of violating the commitments made in Washington, while a senior US official said the administration is monitoring the situation closely, emphasising that success will be measured by actual results on the ground, not just rhetoric.