Over 200,000 people in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have fled their homes in the past days as the rebel March 23 Movement (M23) ramps up a major offensive, advancing toward the strategic lakeside town of Uvira near the Burundi border. Despite a high-profile peace deal brokered in Washington just days earlier, violence has surged — claiming dozens of lives and leaving civilians scrambling for safety.
Who is M23 and What Sparked the Conflict
The M23 rebel group — formed in 2012 after a split from earlier CNDP forces — has long been at the centre of conflict in eastern DRC. The group's name references the March 23, 2009 accord; M23 re-emerged in later years amid accusations the agreement's terms were not honored. The movement claims to defend communities it says have been marginalized, while critics point to the group's pursuit of territorial control and access to mineral revenues that sustain its operations.
Since its resurgence in recent years, M23 has captured key towns and relied on control of mining and trade routes to fund operations. Accusations of Rwandan backing have repeatedly surfaced in international reports — an allegation Kigali denies — adding a regional political dimension to a conflict that is at once ethnic, economic and geopolitical.
For further reading on regional instability and parallel crises, see our related coverage: Sudanese Paramilitary Drone Attack: 50 Dead in Kordofan Tragedy and Tanzania Election Protest Killings.
Current Development: Attack, Displacement and the Washington Peace Deal
On December 9, 2025, the United Nations reported roughly 200,000 people had fled their homes in eastern DRC over the preceding days as M23 advanced southwards toward Uvira. Reports indicate at least 74 civilians were killed and many more wounded amid heavy clashes.
The rebels reportedly captured the frontline town of Luvungi and pushed toward key roads and villages leading to Uvira. The offensive followed a high-profile peace accord signed in Washington on December 4, 2025, brokered in a public ceremony — a deal that notably did not include M23 among its signatories. The sequence of events exposed a dangerous gap between diplomatic symbolism and realities on the ground.
Humanitarian agencies warn that the newly displaced face urgent needs in shelter, clean water and medical care. Winter conditions and damaged infrastructure could worsen the humanitarian toll if safe access for aid groups is not secured.
Why the Peace Deal Faltered — And What’s Fueling M23’s Surge
The rapid collapse of the Washington-brokered peace pact underscores a fundamental problem: agreements that omit pivotal actors rarely hold. M23’s exclusion from the accord left a crucial gap that the group sought to exploit. Control of resource-rich territories — including coltan and other minerals — provides revenue streams that sustain military operations and create incentives for territorial gains rather than peace.
Regional dynamics also matter: allegations of Rwandan support for M23, whether fully substantiated or not, add a cross-border political dimension. For Kigali, influence in eastern DRC has been framed as a security concern; for Kinshasa, such influence is viewed as infringement on sovereignty. These competing narratives complicate outside mediation and make durable solutions difficult.
Reactions & Quotes
The United Nations described the displacement as one of the largest recent pulses of forced migration in eastern DRC. The U.S. State Department expressed deep concern and urged all parties to halt offensive operations and ensure civilian protection. President Félix Tshisekedi accused Rwanda of violating the recently signed accord and demanded accountability.
Local officials and humanitarian workers on the ground report chaotic scenes as civilians seek safety; some government troops reportedly withdrew ahead of the rebel advance, leaving communities exposed. Humanitarian organisations warn that limited access to food, shelter and medical care could trigger further suffering among the displaced.
Selected source reporting: Reuters reporting on the displacement and offensive; investigative coverage of M23’s territorial control; UN briefings on humanitarian impact. External sources: Reuters, The Guardian.
Global & Regional Impact: Why the Crisis Matters Beyond Congo
The offensive threatens the stability of the broader Great Lakes region. Uvira’s proximity to neighbouring countries raises the risk of refugee flows that could strain resources and inflame cross-border tensions. Control of mineral routes by armed actors can also disrupt global supply chains for electronics and emerging technologies reliant on minerals sourced from eastern DRC.
Politically, the breakdown of the Washington agreement may erode confidence in high-profile international mediation efforts, making future diplomatic initiatives harder to sell to local populations who see little immediate benefit.
Conclusion & Outlook
The mass displacement of over 200,000 people following the M23 advance is a stark reminder that peace on paper does not equal peace on the ground. Durable stability will require inclusion of all stakeholders, addressing the governance of resources, credible security guarantees, and sustained humanitarian access. Until these elements are addressed, eastern DRC remains at risk of further violence and human suffering.
