M23 Captures DRC City: Rwanda’s Role & Conflict

Rwanda-backed M23 rebels claim to have captured the eastern Congolese city of Uvira as they continue to advance across the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The capture, if confirmed, would give the rebels a strategic position to expand further into the country.

M23 Claims Control of Uvira

A rebel spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, stated on Wednesday evening that Uvira had been “fully liberated, secured and under the control of the liberation forces.” Kanyuka said on X that the rebels are committed to “protecting civilian populations and defending their rights against any aggression,” and urged soldiers and the Wazalendo militia allied to the Congolese military to surrender immediately.

However, Burundi’s foreign minister, Edouard Bizimana, disputed the claim, stating that Uvira “has not yet fallen.”

Since the fall of Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, in February, Uvira has served as the temporary headquarters of the Kinshasa-appointed government. Observers say its capture could provide a clear path for rebels to expand into other parts of the DRC.

In recent days, the Congolese army and allied militias reportedly evacuated heavy weapons from Uvira toward Burundi, suggesting they are preparing for a rebel takeover.

Rebel Advances and Displacement

The M23 rebel sweep has already resulted in the capture of other major eastern cities this year, including Goma and Bukavu. Analysts accuse Rwanda of seeking to annex Congolese territory, particularly due to the abundance of minerals such as coltan and gold.

The advance by M23 has displaced approximately 200,000 civilians, and at least 74 people have been killed in clashes around Uvira and other areas. More than 6 million people across North and South Kivu provinces have been displaced since M23’s renewed offensive in 2021. Some displacement camps have been dismantled in what Human Rights Watch has described as “a war crime under the Geneva conventions.”

Background on M23 and Regional Tensions

M23, formally known as the March 23 Movement, was formed in 2012 by former members of the National Congress for the Defence of the People (CNDP), a Rwanda-backed militia. The group’s name references a 23 March 2009 peace agreement that the rebels claim Kinshasa violated.

Congolese authorities and UN experts accuse Rwanda of backing M23, citing evidence of Rwandan troop presence, supplies, and logistical support. Rwanda continues to deny these claims, framing the allegations as politically motivated and accusing the DRC of collaborating with hostile militias, including the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR).

M23 initially disbanded in 2013 after a major defeat, but re-emerged in 2021 and has since been taking territory at an increasing pace. This advance continues despite peace deals signed in Doha and Washington DC this year. The push into Uvira comes less than a week after a peace deal brokered by former US President Trump between the Congolese and Rwandan presidents, aimed at easing regional tensions.

Burundi’s foreign minister, Edouard Bizimana, criticized the failure to implement the recent peace agreement, calling it “a humiliation for everyone” and “a slap in the face to the United States.” He called for sanctions against Rwanda.

Congolese Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner has urged the US to impose sanctions on Rwanda, stating that “Washington has to restore the credibility of its process through accountability.”

Rwandan counterpart Olivier Nduhungirehe claims Kinshasa has failed to implement peace deals and honor the ceasefire, and alleges that Burundian and Congolese forces have been attacking towns near the border.