Rwanda Accused of Backing Deadly Rebel Offensive in Eastern Congo
The United States has accused Rwanda of violating a U.S.-brokered peace agreement by supporting a deadly new rebel offensive in the mineral-rich eastern Congo. The remarks were made by U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz, who expressed profound concern and disappointment over the renewed outbreak of violence by the M23 rebels.
According to regional officials, more than 400 civilians have been killed since the M23 rebels escalated their offensive in eastern Congo’s South Kivu province. The rebels have also seized the strategic port city of Uvira, which was the Congolese government’s last major foothold in South Kivu. The city’s capture allows the rebels to consolidate a broad corridor of influence across the east.
M23’s Latest Push and Regional Implications
The M23 rebels’ latest offensive comes despite a U.S.-mediated peace agreement signed last week by the Congolese and Rwandan presidents in Washington. The accord obliges Rwanda to halt support for armed groups like M23 and work to end hostilities. However, the rebels’ advance has pushed the conflict to the doorstep of neighboring Burundi, heightening fears of a broader regional spillover.
Civilians fleeing eastern Congo have also crossed into Burundi, and there have been reports of shells falling in the town of Rugombo, on the Burundian side of the border. The conflict has created one of the world’s most significant humanitarian crises, with more than 7 million people displaced, according to the U.N. agency for refugees.
Thousands fleeing fighting in Congo’s South Kivu arrive in Cibitoke, Kansega, Burundi, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025. (AP Photo)
Congo Calls for More Pressure on Rwanda
Congo’s Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner accused Rwanda of trampling on the peace agreement, which she described as bringing “hope of a historic turning point.” She warned that the entire process is at stake and urged the Security Council to impose sanctions against military and political leaders responsible for the attacks, ban mineral exports from Rwanda, and prohibit it from contributing troops to U.N. peacekeeping missions.
FILE – Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner attends a signing ceremony for a peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo at the State Departmentin Washington, June 27, 2025. (AP Pho to/Mark Schiefelbein, File)
Rwanda’s Ambassador to the U.N. Karoli Martin Ngoga accused Congo of repeatedly breaking the ceasefire and supporting the mostly Hutu Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, which “threatens the very existence of Rwanda and its people.” Rwanda denies backing M23, but acknowledges having troops and missile systems in eastern Congo, allegedly to safeguard its security.
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