By JUSTIN KABUMBA and MONIKA PRONCZUK
GOMA, Congo (AP) — Greater than 400 civilians have been killed because the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group escalated its offensive within the South Kivu province in japanese Congo, regional officers mentioned, including that Rwandan particular forces had been within the strategic metropolis of Uvira.
M23’s newest offensive comes regardless of a U.S.-mediated peace settlement signed final week by the Congolese and Rwandan presidents in Washington. The accord didn’t embody the insurgent group, which is negotiating individually with Congo and agreed earlier this 12 months to a ceasefire that either side accuse the opposite of violating. Nonetheless, it obliges Rwanda to halt help for armed teams and work to finish hostilities.
“More than 413 civilians (have been) killed by bullets, grenades, and bombs, including many women, children, and young people” in localities between Uvira and Bukavu, the regional capital, the South Kivu authorities spokesperson mentioned in a press release late Wednesday.
“According to the information gathered, the forces present in the city are composed of Rwandan special forces and some of their foreign mercenaries, operating in clear violation of the ceasefire as well as the Washington and Doha agreements, in total disregard of the commitments made,” the assertion added.
Ripples from the battle unfold
M23 mentioned it had taken management of the strategic metropolis of Uvira in japanese Congo on Wednesday afternoon, following a fast offensive because the begin of the month. Uvira is a vital port metropolis on the northern tip of Lake Tanganyika and is instantly throughout from neighboring Burundi’s largest metropolis, Bujumbura.
The announcement by M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka, posted on the social platform X, inspired residents who fled to return to their properties. Uvira is a vital port metropolis on the northern tip of Lake Tanganyika and is instantly throughout from neighboring Burundi’s largest metropolis, Bujumbura.
Congo, the U.S. and U.N. consultants accuse Rwanda of backing M23, which had tons of of members in 2021. Now, in keeping with the U.N., the group has round 6,500 fighters.
Whereas Rwanda denies that declare, it acknowledged final 12 months that it has troops and missile programs in japanese Congo, allegedly to safeguard its safety. U.N. consultants estimate there are as much as 4,000 Rwandan forces in Congo.
Burundian Overseas Minister Edouard Bizimana, in an interview with French state media RFI on Wednesday, urged the U.S. to stress Rwandan President Paul Kagame to make sure the implementation of the settlement signed within the U.S.
“M23 without Kagame, without Rwanda, is nothing,” he mentioned.
Bizimana mentioned the seize of Uvira poses a menace to the financial capital, Bujumbura.
“We have registered more than 30,000 refugees and asylum-seekers in the last three days … Uvira and Bujumbura are coastal cities. What threatens Uvira also threatens Bujumbura.”
On Thursday, Kanyuka mentioned on X that “some Burundian forces have returned to their national territory, while others have entrenched themselves in the highlands,” referring to the hills of Uvira and Mininebwe in South Kivu.
“Since early Thursday morning, Dec. 11, 2025, these elements entrenched in the highlands have resumed, with unacceptable brutality, their campaign of extermination against our Tutsi Banyamulenge compatriots in Minembwe, indiscriminately launching bombs and using heavy artillery that is killing innocent civilians, including women and children,” he wrote.
The Chairperson of the African Union, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, on Thursday mentioned he “deeply regrets these clashes and the violence perpetrated against civilian populations, which run counter to the momentum generated by the Doha Framework Agreement” between congo and AFC/M23, “as well as the Washington D.C. Agreement between the DRC and Rwanda.” He additionally known as on all events “to exercise restraint and to prioritize a political solution.”
Wrestle for mineral-rich territory
In a press release Wednesday, the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa urged M23 and Rwandan troops to stop all offensive operations and for the Rwandan Protection Forces to withdraw to Rwanda.
The Rwandan Ministry of Overseas Affairs blamed the Congolese armed forces for the current ceasefire violations in a press release on X on Wednesday.
“The DRC has openly stated that it would not observe any ceasefire, and was fighting to recapture territories lost to AFC/M23, even as the peace process unfolded,” it mentioned.
Greater than 100 armed teams are vying for a foothold in mineral-rich japanese Congo close to the border with Rwanda, most prominently M23. The battle has created one of many world’s most vital humanitarian crises, with greater than 7 million folks displaced, in keeping with the U.N. company for refugees.
Native U.N. companions report that greater than 200,000 folks have been displaced throughout the province since Dec. 2, with greater than 70 killed. Civilians even have crossed into Burundi, and there have been reviews of shells falling within the city of Rugombo, on the Burundian facet of the border, elevating issues concerning the battle spilling over into Burundian territory.
Pronczuk reported from Dakar, Senegal. Related Press author Renovat Ndabashinze in Bujumbura, Burundi, contributed to this report.
