M23 fighters continued their advance across eastern DR Congo yesterday, capturing key territory and heightening tensions in the region. The armed group, backed by around 4,000 Rwandan soldiers according to UN experts, seized Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu, just weeks after taking Goma, North Kivu’s provincial capital.
The rapid gains have given M23 control of Lake Kivu and forced more than 50,000 Congolese civilians to flee to neighboring countries, including Burundi and Uganda, according to the United Nations. In response, the European Union has summoned Rwanda’s ambassador, demanding the withdrawal of troops from DR Congo. This follows Germany’s diplomatic warning to Rwanda and U.S. sanctions against James Kabarebe, Rwanda’s minister for regional integration.
As the Congolese army retreats, resistance is mainly being mounted by pro-Kinshasa militia groups known as the Wazalendo. Clashes between the M23 and Wazalendo are frequent in Masisi and surrounding areas, medical charity MSF reported. Meanwhile, M23 forces are advancing toward Uvira, a critical town near the Burundi border on Lake Tanganyika. With around 42,000 people crossing into Burundi over the past two weeks, the humanitarian crisis is escalating.
In Uvira, local authorities have taken measures to maintain order after reports of looting and chaos. More than 400 prisoners escaped from Uvira prison, and armed men attacked the local bishop. South Kivu governor Jean Jacques Purusi also survived an attack by pro-Kinshasa militias, which left several of his security personnel dead.
Further north, M23 fighters are closing in on Lubero, a strategic town 15 kilometers from their current position. As some Congolese soldiers flee, others have reportedly looted shops and threatened civilians. A displaced resident, Aline Nyota, recounted being robbed of her belongings by soldiers. “If you hesitate, they shoot,” she said.
Ugandan troops (UPDF), deployed in the region for joint operations with the Congolese army, have restored relative calm in Lubero. Residents reported UPDF patrols on foot and in armored vehicles. However, analysts question how Uganda would respond if its forces encounter M23 fighters, given allegations of Kampala’s ties with the rebel group. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni denied any intent to fight M23, stating that Uganda’s deployment aims to combat local militias, particularly the ADF.
As fighting intensifies and diplomatic pressure grows, the humanitarian and security situation in eastern DR Congo remains critical, with the region bracing for further conflict.
