Tensions Rise as M23 Rebels Enter Uvira Amid Congo-Rwanda Tensions

Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have entered Uvira, escalating violence in eastern Congo. The capture of key towns has led to renewed accusations between Congo and Rwanda, sparking international concern. Over 200,000 people have fled, as regional stability hangs in the balance amid calls for increased international sanctions.

Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have penetrated the eastern Congo town of Uvira, near the Burundian border, marking the most significant escalation in the protracted conflict in recent months, sources informed Reuters on Wednesday.

Situated on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, Uvira has served as a strategic hub for the Kinshasa-appointed administration in South Kivu and its military operations since the provincial capital, Bukavu, fell to M23 in February. This advancement could pave the way for the rebels to extend their control beyond South Kivu. This development arrives less than a week after Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame, alongside U.S. President Donald Trump, reaffirmed their dedication to a U.S.-brokered peace accord in Washington.

Both Congo and Rwanda have since accused each other of breaching the agreement. Congo's foreign minister has called on the U.S. to intensify targeted sanctions against Rwanda to restore the credibility of its mediation endeavors. Rwanda, while refuting claims of abetting M23, pointed fingers at Congolese forces and Burundi for the resurgence in hostilities. The United Nations reported that approximately 200,000 individuals have been displaced in recent days and numerous civilians killed, as the situation in Uvira remains disputed, with volleying gunfire reported by residents.

(With inputs from agencies.)