M23 Advances in Eastern DRC, Threatens Uvira; Congo, Burundi Troops Flee to Burundi. LIBREVILLE, Gabon — 12 December 2025 Lead Paragraph The armed group M23, backed by Rwanda according to Congolese authorities, has made significant gains in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), posing a threat to the city of Uvira, which borders Burundi. This development comes shortly after the signing of a peace agreement between the DRC and Rwanda, brokered by the United States, aimed at easing ongoing tensions in the region.
Body. Regional officials report that the M23’s rapid advance has prompted hundreds of Congolese and Burundian soldiers to flee across the border to Burundi.
The Burundian Foreign Minister has taken to social media to denounce attacks on Burundian territory and criticized what he described as Rwanda’s “belligerent attitude.”.
According to Radio France Internationale (RFI), there have been exchanges of fire across the border between the DRC and Rwanda in recent days, as fighting intensifies in an area rich in natural resources but plagued by violence for three decades. This escalation has destabilized the recently concluded peace agreement between Kinshasa and Kigali, which was hailed as a “miracle “by President Donald Trump.
The situation has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the peace deal and the potential for further conflict in the region.
Independent observers say the rapid advance of the M23 could undermine the fragile peace efforts. Ending.
The situation in the region remains fluid, with further details expected to emerge.
The governments of the DRC and Burundi have not yet commented on the developments, and the international community is closely monitoring the situation.
