M23 rebels have seized Uvira, a key city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) near the Burundi border, prompting widespread panic and displacement. The capture undermines a recent peace agreement between the DRC and Rwanda brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump and Qatar.
The offensive, launched on December 1, involved intense artillery attacks leaving at least 74 people dead—mostly civilians—and 83 others hospitalized. Residents report that M23 forces also captured Luvungi and are fighting Congolese troops and Wazalendo militias in villages along the road to Uvira.
The United Nations says around 200,000 people have fled the violence in eastern Congo with thousands crossing into Burundi. In one week alone, over 30,000 refugees were reported in Burundi, highlighting the scale of the humanitarian crisis. The DRC has accused Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels and violating peace commitments.
The situation remains fluid with humanitarian agencies rushing to provide assistance to displaced populations while Congolese forces attempt to halt the rebel advance.
