M23 conflict kills over 400 civilians in eastern Congo

Eastern Congo has witnessed a significant escalation of violence, with regional officials reporting more than 413 civilian deaths since the Rwanda‑backed M23 armed group intensified its offensive in South Kivu province. The surge comes despite a US‑mediated peace agreement signed last week in Washington by the Congolese and Rwandan presidents, which was intended to halt hostilities in the region. The accord, however, did not include the M23 rebel group, which is negotiating separately with the Congolese government.

According to the South Kivu government spokesperson, the deaths occurred in localities between Uvira and Bukavu, the regional capital, with civilians killed by bullets, grenades and bombs. The spokesperson also alleged that Rwandan special forces and foreign mercenaries are operating in the city, violating the ceasefire and international agreements. M23 claimed to have taken control of the strategic city of Uvira on Wednesday and urged citizens who fled to return to their homes.

The conflict has sparked concern among neighboring countries. Burundian Foreign Minister Edouard Bizimana urged the United States to pressure Rwandan President Paul Kagame to implement the agreement, warning that the capture of Uvira threatens Burundi’s economic capital, Bujumbura. He noted that more than 30,000 refugees and asylum‑seekers have arrived in Burundi in the past three days. The US Embassy in Kinshasa called on M23 and Rwandan troops to cease all offensive operations and for the Rwandan Defense Forces to withdraw to Rwanda. The Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, however, blamed the Congolese armed forces for recent ceasefire violations.

The fighting in eastern Congo has created a severe humanitarian crisis, with over 7 million people displaced and more than 200 000 displaced across the province since December 2. The struggle for control of mineral‑rich territory has drawn in more than 100 armed groups, including M23, which is accused of receiving Rwandan support. The conflict raises concerns about regional stability and the potential for violence to spill over into neighboring countries. As the situation escalates, international efforts to broker a peaceful resolution and protect civilians are becoming increasingly urgent, and the impact on the region and its people is likely to dominate international attention in the coming days.