M23 rebels seize key town in Eastern DRC as civilians flee

Reports indicate that M23 rebels, allegedly supported by the Rwandan military, are advancing in the South Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. On Saturday, the rebels reportedly captured the strategic town of Luvungi, near the Burundi border, as well as several surrounding villages.

As a result of the intensifying conflict, thousands of residents have been displaced.

A spokesperson for the Congolese Armed Forces stated that government troops have strategically withdrawn from Luvungi to minimize potential damage and safeguard civilians.

The army has reported that shelling from within Rwanda has impacted communities in the Ruzizi plain, resulting in civilian casualties and the destruction of infrastructure, including schools and health centers.

Independent sources suggest that the rebels are advancing toward Uvira.

The recent escalation follows a meeting in Washington between the leaders of the DRC and Rwanda and US President Donald Trump, where they reaffirmed their commitment to a peace plan initially signed in June. This agreement, praised by the White House as a significant achievement, was facilitated by the US, the African Union, and Qatar. Additionally, the DRC and M23 have signed a separate peace accord.

There are strategic interests involved, including Washington's aim to secure access to the region's mineral resources.

During the signing ceremony, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame showed minimal interaction.

According to United Nations experts, approximately 3,000 to 4,000 Rwandan government forces are deployed in eastern Congo, allegedly collaborating with M23. Rwanda refutes these claims, asserting that any military actions are focused on protecting its territory.

Based on reporting by Africanews.