US, Europe Alarmed as Rwanda-Backed M23 Invades Congo’s South Kivu

The United States and Europe have expressed profound concern regarding another outbreak of violence in South Kivu, in eastern DR Congo, following the new offensive by the March 23 Movement (M23), which is supported by Rwanda.

Dependable NG reports that the International Contact Group for the Great Lakes (ICG), comprising the US, Belgium, France, Germany, the European Union, and several other Western nations, warned in a statement issued on Tuesday that the alarming escalation in South Kivu, close to Burundi, “risks destabilizing the whole region.”

The alliance noted the increased and concerning use of both attack and suicide drones in the conflict, stating that this “represents a significant escalation in the fighting and poses an acute risk to civilian populations.”

The ICG urged the M23 and the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) to instantly halt offensive operations in South Kivu. They explicitly called on the RDF to withdraw from eastern DRC in line with UNSC Resolution 2773, and on the M23 to uphold the commitments made under the Declaration of Principles signed in Doha in July 2025.

Furthermore, the U.S. and European allies reminded all parties to protect civilians, respect territorial integrity, adhere to their commitments under the Washington Accords of December 4,2025, and immediately de-escalate the situation. The ICG cautioned against escalatory or provocative speech and actions that gravely endanger civilians and could “irreparably undermine” the significant progress achieved with the Framework Agreement the Government of the DRC and M23 signed in Doha in November.

The M23 fighters, with reported support from the Rwandan army, have continued their advancement into the South Kivu region over the past days, successfully taking over the town of Luvungi and several adjoining villages. Thousands of people have fled their homes amid the fighting, with the Congolese Armed Forces reportedly withdrawing from Luvungi to avoid further escalation in the town, which is near the border with Burundi.

In a separate statement, the DRC army informed that multiple projectiles shot from inside Rwanda struck communities in the Ruzizi area, killing civilians and destroying homes, schools, and health centers. President Felix Tshisekedi has accused Rwanda of breaching the U.S.-brokered peace deal signed recently in Washington, stating: “Despite our good faith and the recently ratified agreement, Rwanda is already violating its commitments.”