M23 Rebels Seize Strategic Congo Town Amid Peace Deal Collapse. Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo — 2025-12-13 Lead Paragraph Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have captured the strategic city of Uvira in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), marking a significant setback as a recent peace deal crumbles.
The seizure comes just over a week after the signing of a historic agreement between the DRC and Rwanda, which aimed to end the decades — long conflict in the region.
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The capture of Uvira, a key military stronghold, has raised concerns that the peace deal, hailed by US President Donald Trump as “historic, “may be unraveling. United Nations experts have previously accused Rwanda of having “de facto control “of the M23 rebel force, which has now claimed responsibility for the attack.
US Ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, expressed disappointment over the renewed outbreak of violence and warned that those responsible for disrupting peace would be held accountable.
The rebels, who are not signatories to the Washington Accord, are involved in a parallel peace process led by Qatar. Bertrand Bisimwa, the Deputy Coordinator of the AFC-M23 rebel alliance, emphasized that the Washington Accord primarily addresses relations between Congo and Rwanda, but has little impact on the ongoing conflict within the DRC.
The rebel group is seeking to establish a federal system in the country, aiming for a balance between provinces and the central government. Both Kinshasa and Kigali have accused each other of violating the Washington Accord.
The conflict in eastern Congo, involving more than 100 armed groups, has created one of the world’s most significant humanitarian crises, with over 7 million people displaced by the fighting, according to the UN refugee agency.
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The situation in the DRC remains tense as the peace deal faces its first major challenge. Further details are expected as the conflict continues to unfold.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with calls for a return to negotiations and adherence to the agreed — upon terms.
