Rwanda-Backed Rebels Claim Capture of Strategic DRC City Despite Trump Peace Deal

Rwanda-supported M23 rebels have declared control of Uvira, a strategically vital city in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, advancing their territorial gains despite a recent US-brokered ceasefire agreement.

Rebel spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka announced Wednesday evening that Uvira had been "fully liberated, secured and under the control of the liberation forces." He pledged to protect civilians and called for Congolese soldiers and allied Wazalendo militia to surrender immediately. However, Burundi's Foreign Minister Edouard Bizimana disputed the claim, stating the city "has not yet fallen."

Uvira's significance cannot be overstated. Since M23 captured Bukavu, the South Kivu provincial capital, in February, the lakeside city has functioned as temporary headquarters for Kinshasa's appointed government. Its fall would potentially open pathways for rebels to expand deeper into DRC territory. Recent reports indicate the Congolese army has evacuated heavy weapons toward Burundi, suggesting preparations for potential rebel takeover.

The offensive has extracted a devastating humanitarian toll. Approximately 200,000 civilians have been displaced by recent fighting around Uvira, with at least 74 people killed. Since M23's resurgence in 2021, over 6 million people across North and South Kivu provinces have been uprooted. Human Rights Watch has classified some camp dismantlements as "forcible transfer," constituting war crimes under Geneva Conventions.

M23, formed in 2012 by former members of a Rwanda-backed militia, has captured multiple major eastern cities this year, including Goma and Bukavu. UN experts and Congolese authorities accuse Rwanda of providing troops, supplies, and logistical support—allegations Kigali denies, claiming they are politically motivated.

The escalation comes barely a week after President Donald Trump mediated a peace agreement between DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame. Burundi's foreign minister called the continued offensive "a slap in the face to the United States, a middle finger," urging sanctions against Rwanda.

DRC's Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner echoed calls for accountability, telling Reuters that "Washington has to restore the credibility of its process through accountability. It is not enough to condemn."

Rwanda's Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe countered that Kinshasa failed to implement peace agreements, accusing Burundian and Congolese forces of attacking border towns before the latest escalation.