M23 rebels advance and capture Uvira despite peace deal

In 2025, the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group escalated fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) by advancing into and capturing the strategic city of Uvira, despite an existing regional peace agreement aimed at ending hostilities. Uvira, located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika near the Burundi border, is a vital commercial and transport hub, and its fall marked a serious setback to ongoing peace efforts. Congolese government forces reportedly withdrew after clashes, while thousands of civilians fled the city, fearing reprisals and renewed violence. The offensive directly violated ceasefire commitments under regional mediation frameworks involving the East African Community and other international partners. The DRC government accused Rwanda of backing the M23 militarily—an allegation Kigali has repeatedly denied, though UN reports have previously pointed to Rwandan support. The capture of Uvira heightened regional tensions, raising concerns about the conflict spilling over borders and destabilizing neighboring countries. International actors, including the United Nations and African Union, condemned the advance and called for an immediate ceasefire and a return to dialogue. Humanitarian agencies warned of worsening displacement, food insecurity, and limited access to medical care. The events underscored the fragility of peace deals in eastern Congo and the urgent need for enforceable security guarantees and political solutions.