UN Security Council Condemns Rwandan Involvement

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has issued a strong condemnation of Rwanda for allegedly backing the M23 rebel offensive in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The council urged Rwanda to withdraw its forces and halt all support for the armed group, following widespread regional destabilization and civilian suffering.

The UNSC passed the resolution unanimously on Friday, simultaneously extending the UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) for an additional year.

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M23 Captures Strategic City of Uvira

The resolution comes after M23 forces seized Uvira, a key city in South Kivu Province, on December 10, less than a week after the DRC and Rwandan presidents signed a US-brokered peace agreement in Washington.

Jennifer Locetta, the US representative to the UN, highlighted the strategic and humanitarian risks:

“M23’s seizure of Uvira risks destabilizing the whole region, gravely endangers civilian populations and imperils ongoing peace efforts.”

The rebel group was ordered to withdraw at least 75 km (47 miles) from Uvira to comply with the agreement, but the DRC government described M23’s claimed pullback as a “staged” maneuver, with forces still deployed in the city.

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Humanitarian Crisis Escalates

The ongoing violence has created a major humanitarian emergency. More than 84,000 people have fled into Burundi since early December, joining approximately 200,000 refugees who had previously sought safety there. Refugees report exhaustion, trauma, and lack of basic necessities.

Reports indicate that over 400 civilians have been killed during the recent clashes in Uvira, further intensifying concerns of regional spillover given the city’s proximity to Bujumbura, Burundi’s largest city.

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US and International Response

The United States has warned it will use all available tools against actors undermining the peace deal. US officials estimate that between 5,000 and 7,000 Rwandan soldiers are currently operating in eastern DRC.

Earlier in 2025, the US sanctioned Rwandan cabinet ministers, and the DRC has called for expanded sanctions following the M23 offensive.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged that commitments under the Washington peace accord were not being met but noted that new agreements now provide mechanisms to hold parties accountable.

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Rwanda Denies Direct Involvement

Despite widespread evidence, Rwanda continues to deny backing M23. President Paul Kagame previously claimed uncertainty over troop presence in eastern DRC, even as Kigali defended its security posture against threats from the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a Hutu militia operating in the region.

Rwanda cites the FDLR as an existential threat and accuses the DRC of supporting the group, complicating efforts to stabilize South Kivu and surrounding provinces.

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Broader Conflict in Eastern DRC

Eastern DRC, rich in minerals, is plagued by conflict involving over 100 armed groups, resulting in the displacement of more than seven million people. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with ongoing fighting undermining peace efforts, economic recovery, and regional stability.

The capture of Uvira represents a significant strategic loss for the DRC government, following M23’s earlier seizure of Bukavu, the provincial capital, in February.

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Conclusion: Urgent Call for Stability

The UNSC resolution underscores the urgent need for Rwandan withdrawal and M23 compliance with international agreements. With ongoing violence, civilian casualties, and mass displacement, the eastern DRC crisis remains a critical test for regional security and international diplomatic efforts.