What's happened
On December 11, 2025, the M23 rebel group consolidated control over Uvira in eastern DR Congo, displacing 200,000 civilians and threatening the US-brokered Washington Accords signed a week earlier by DR Congo and Rwanda. Despite the peace deal, fighting continues with accusations of Rwandan forces backing M23 and ongoing civilian casualties in South Kivu province.
What's behind the headline?
Persistent Conflict Despite Diplomatic Efforts
The recent capture of Uvira by M23 rebels starkly illustrates the fragility of the Washington Accords. While the agreement was hailed as a diplomatic breakthrough, the reality on the ground reveals deep-rooted challenges that diplomacy alone cannot swiftly resolve.
Underlying Ethnic and Regional Tensions
The conflict is fueled by ethnic rivalries, historical grievances, and competition over mineral-rich territories. M23, primarily composed of ethnic Tutsis, claims to protect their communities but is widely seen as a proxy for Rwandan interests, complicating peace efforts.
The Role of External Actors
Rwanda's alleged backing of M23, despite official denials, undermines trust and fuels ongoing violence. The US and UN have expressed concern over Rwanda's involvement, which threatens regional stability and the credibility of the peace process.
Humanitarian Crisis and Displacement
The fighting has displaced over 1.4 million people, with civilians bearing the brunt of violence, including bombings and clashes in populated areas. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with limited access to aid and ongoing insecurity.
Economic Interests and Geopolitical Stakes
The region's vast mineral wealth, critical for global technology supply chains, adds complexity. The US aims to secure access to these resources through the peace deal, intertwining economic interests with conflict resolution.
Outlook
Without concrete steps to enforce ceasefire commitments, withdraw foreign forces, and address root causes, the conflict will likely persist. The peace agreement provides a framework but requires genuine political will and international oversight to translate into lasting peace. The coming months will be critical in determining whether diplomacy can overcome entrenched hostilities or if violence will escalate further.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera reports that M23 has solidified control over Uvira, displacing 200,000 civilians and threatening the US-brokered peace deal signed just a week prior. The South Kivu government accuses Rwandan special forces of violating ceasefire agreements, a claim Rwanda denies, as noted by Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe, who called such accusations "ridiculous" (Al Jazeera, Dec 11, 2025; Dec 9, 2025).
Reuters highlights the ongoing violence despite the peace accord, with at least 74 deaths reported and fierce fighting near strategic towns like Luvungi and Sange. The US State Department expressed deep concern and urged Rwanda to prevent escalation, emphasizing that President Trump expects immediate results from both sides (Reuters, Dec 9, 2025).
The Associated Press and The Independent provide on-the-ground perspectives from residents in conflict zones like Kamanyola and Sange, describing intensified fighting and civilian displacement despite the peace agreement. M23 accuses the Congolese army and Burundi of bombings, while the Congolese army blames M23 for attacks on schools, illustrating the complex blame game (AP News, Dec 5, 2025; The Independent, Dec 5, 2025).
All Africa and the New York Times cover the December 4 signing ceremony of the Washington Accords, where Presidents Tshisekedi and Kagame, hosted by US President Donald Trump, pledged peace and economic cooperation. However, analysts and regional leaders expressed skepticism about the deal's immediate impact given ongoing hostilities (All Africa, Dec 4, 2025; New York Times, Dec 4, 2025).
Together, these sources reveal a multifaceted conflict where diplomatic breakthroughs coexist with persistent violence, underscoring the challenges of translating agreements into peace on the ground.
How we got here
The conflict in eastern DR Congo involves the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group, which seized key cities including Goma and Bukavu earlier in 2025. A US-mediated peace agreement, the Washington Accords, was signed on December 4, 2025, aiming to end decades of fighting, enforce a ceasefire, disarm armed groups, and promote economic integration. However, hostilities have persisted, with both sides accusing each other of ceasefire violations.
Go deeper
- What are the main terms of the Washington Accords signed by DR Congo and Rwanda?
- How is Rwanda involved in the conflict in eastern DR Congo?
- What is the humanitarian impact of the fighting in South Kivu province?
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