M23 rebels are back in the news after recent clashes and peace talks in eastern Congo, reigniting fears of renewed conflict in North Kivu.
On January 28, 2026, a landslide at the Rubaya coltan mine in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, controlled by the M23 rebel group, killed over 200 people, including miners, women, and children. The disaster highlights unsafe artisanal mining amid ongoing conflict and stalled peace efforts despite a US-brokered deal between DRC and Rwanda.
Recent efforts to establish a ceasefire in eastern Congo have seen progress, with Qatar deploying monitors to Uvira and MONUSCO preparing to oversee a ceasefire. Meanwhile, drone attacks near Kisangani suggest escalating violence, possibly marking a new phase in the conflict involving AFC/M23 rebels.
Rebels briefly seized Uvira in eastern Congo in December, prompting a military response involving private security contractors linked to the US. The operation aimed to recapture the city, with US-backed forces supporting Congolese troops amid ongoing tensions over mineral-rich territories.
Congolese President Tshisekedi offers U.S. companies access to eastern Congo’s untapped $24 trillion mineral wealth to secure U.S. support against rebels and build infrastructure. The move aligns with U.S. efforts to counter China's dominance in critical minerals, amid ongoing regional instability and opposition within Congo.
Authorities in South Kivu have identified two mass graves near Uvira containing at least 171 bodies, suspected to be victims of M23 rebels. The region remains volatile despite rebel withdrawals and ongoing peace efforts. UN and regional bodies are calling for investigations today, 15 Apr 2026.
A French UNICEF employee was killed in a drone strike in Goma, eastern DRC, amid ongoing conflict involving M23 rebels and government forces. The attack, blamed by M23 on the Congolese army, highlights persistent violence despite peace efforts. International leaders call for respect of humanitarian law.
On March 17, 2026, a Brussels court ordered 93-year-old Etienne Davignon, former European Commission vice president and junior diplomat in 1960, to face war crimes charges for his alleged role in the 1961 assassination of Congolese independence leader Patrice Lumumba. This marks the first prosecution of a Belgian official linked to Lumumba's murder, a pivotal event symbolizing colonial-era injustices.
Congo's national football team qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 1-0 victory over Jamaica in Guadalajara, thanks to Axel Tuanzebe's late goal. The win marks Congo's return to the tournament after a 52-year absence, amid ongoing conflict in its eastern region. The victory has united the nation and received praise from both government and rebels.
The DRC and M23 have agreed to facilitate humanitarian access, release prisoners within 10 days, and establish a ceasefire monitoring mechanism after five days of Swiss talks mediated by Qatar. Despite progress, disagreements remain over sentences and bank reopenings, with fighting continuing in eastern regions.