Story perspectives

Rwanda-Backed Rebels Capture Key City, Displace Thousands

12/15/2025

Summary

Story summary

M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, captured Uvira, the last government-held city in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The seizure followed a U.S.-brokered peace agreement signed just days earlier, raising concerns about regional stability.
The offensive displaced over 200,000 people and killed hundreds, with Burundi on high alert as refugees crossed its border.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned Rwanda's actions as a violation of the peace deal.

History

Historical Context

The Second Congo War began on August 2, 1998, when President Laurent-Désiré Kabila turned against Rwandan and Ugandan allies who had helped him seize power. The conflict involved nine African nations and resulted in over 5 million deaths, making it one of the deadliest wars in history. Despite a peace agreement in 2002, violence persists, exemplified by the recent capture of Uvira by M23 rebels.

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Story summary

M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, captured Uvira, the last government-held city in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The seizure followed a U.S.-brokered peace agreement signed just days earlier, raising concerns about regional stability.
The offensive displaced over 200,000 people and killed hundreds, with Burundi on high alert as refugees crossed its border.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned Rwanda's actions as a violation of the peace deal.

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