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M23 rebels continue push into DRC despite Trump peace deal

Jared Reed
December 18, 2025

M23 rebels have launched a fresh advance into mineral-rich, eastern border regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo, capturing the city of Uvira. This despite a US-led ceasefire agreement with M23's backer Rwanda.

https://p.dw.com/p/55fJW

Several days after the M23 rebels took control of Uvira in eastern Congo, calm has returned to the city's streets.

However, public places and markets remain emptier than usual as fear lingers, and thousands have fled to neighboring Burundi and beyond.

The capture of Uvira marks a major blow to the Congolese government and follows a series of rebel advances in the mineral-rich region of South Kivu.

Washington has criticized Rwanda for fueling instability despite a recently brokered peace deal.

Under US pressure, M23 has assured it will withdraw.