News|ConflictRefugees describe neighbours killed as M23 cements control of key DRC cityAs M23 rebels capture strategic city Uvira despite Trump peace deal, displaced families recount chaos and death.
## Conflict in Democratic Republic of the Congo
Conflict in Democratic Republic of the Congo
Intensified conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has resulted in significant displacement and loss of life. The M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, have taken control of Uvira, a strategic city in South Kivu province. This development comes despite a peace agreement signed in Washington on Mon, Dec 4, 2025.
The ongoing conflict has led to the displacement of approximately 200,000 individuals, with reports indicating that over 413 civilians have been killed since the escalation in early December. The violence has particularly affected women and children, as highlighted by multiple witness accounts.
The capture of Uvira, located on Lake Tanganyika's northern shore, threatens to draw neighboring Burundi further into the conflict. The city serves as the interim government headquarters for South Kivu after the M23 seized the provincial capital, Bukavu, in February.
The United Nations has reported that the conflict has already displaced more than seven million people across eastern DRC. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, warning of the risk of a broader regional conflict.
Intensified conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has resulted in significant displacement and loss of life.
M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka announced the complete control of Uvira and called for residents to return. The US embassy in Kinshasa has urged for the withdrawal of Rwandan forces, while DRC's government has accused Rwanda of violating peace agreements.
The DRC government has requested the imposition of sanctions against Rwanda, citing inadequate responses to the violations. Meanwhile, Rwanda disputes these accusations, claiming Burundian forces are responsible for the breaches.
DRC Fighting Forces 200,000 People to Flee as M23 Advances UN Rights Office in 'Survival Mode' Amid Deep Funding Cuts Over 400 Civilians Killed in Eastern DR Congo as US Peace Deal Falters
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
