M23 Rebels Capture Luvungi in Eastern DRC, Sparking Civilian Exodus. Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo — December 9, 2025 Lead Paragraph: M23 rebels, reportedly supported by the Rwandan military, have seized control of the strategic town of Luvungi in the South Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), according to local sources.
The rebels’advance has led to the displacement of thousands of civilians as the conflict intensifies in the region.
The rebels’successful capture of Luvungi, which is situated near the border with Burundi, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
A spokesperson for the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) told Africanews that government troops had withdrawn from the town to prevent further damage and to safeguard civilian lives.
In a communiqué, the FARDC alleged that shells fired from within Rwanda had struck communities in the Ruzizi plain, resulting in civilian casualties and the destruction of schools, health centers, and homes.
The situation has led to widespread concern about the protection of civilians in the region. Independent This escalation in hostilities comes only days after the leaders of the DRC and Rwanda met with US President Trump in Washington, where they reaffirmed their commitment to a peace plan signed in June.
The peace agreement, which was brokered by the US and supported by the African Union and Qatar, was hailed by the White House as a “historic “deal.
However, the tense atmosphere at the signing ceremony, where President Felix Tshisekedi of the DRC and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda did not shake hands, suggests underlying tensions. United Nations experts have reported that between 3,000 and 4,000 Rwandan government forces are deployed in eastern Congo, operating alongside the M23 rebels. Rwanda denies such support but asserts that any actions taken are aimed at protecting its territory.
The situation in Eastern DRC remains volatile, with the M23 rebels’advances causing significant displacement among the civilian population.
The international community is watching closely to see how the recent peace agreement will impact the ongoing conflict. Further details are expected as the situation continues to develop.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
