The M23 rebel group, backed by Rwanda, has taken control of the strategic city of Uvira in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to a statement by the group’s spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka. The announcement was made on social media, where Kanyuka encouraged citizens who had fled to return to their homes. The capture of Uvira, located on the border with Burundi, marks a significant gain for the M23 rebels, who had previously seized the province’s capital, Bukavu, in February.
The city’s residents reported a chaotic night, with Congolese army troops fleeing and gunfire heard throughout the city. The M23’s latest assault comes despite a US-mediated peace agreement signed last week by the Congolese and Rwandan presidents in Washington. The agreement, hailed as “historic” by US President Donald Trump, obliges Rwanda to halt support for armed groups and work to end hostilities. However, the deal does not include the M23 rebels, who are negotiating separately with the DRC.
The Congolese president, Félix Tshisekedi, has accused Rwanda of violating the Washington peace agreement, which was signed just last week. In an address to parliament on Monday, Tshisekedi stated that Rwanda had broken the ceasefire within 24 hours of signing the agreement. The United Nations has reported that over 200,000 people have been displaced across South Kivu since December 2, with more than 70 killed.
The capture of Uvira is a significant development in the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, which has been marked by violence and instability. The M23 rebels have been fighting the Congolese government for control of the region, which is rich in natural resources. The international community has been working to broker a peace agreement, but the latest developments suggest that a lasting resolution may be elusive.
The situation in eastern DRC remains volatile, with ongoing clashes between the M23 rebels and the Congolese army. The humanitarian situation is also dire, with thousands of people displaced and in need of assistance. The international community will be watching the situation closely, as the conflict has the potential to destabilize the entire region. The US-mediated peace agreement, while a significant step forward, has yet to yield tangible results, and it remains to be seen whether the parties involved can work towards a lasting peace.