Rwanda-backed rebels move deeper into eastern Congo as UN reports executions and rapes
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Rebels Expand Control Amid Rising Humanitarian CrisisFrom Jan 26-30, 700 killed and 2,800 injured reported in Goma area as M23 rebels advance rapidly toward Bukavu.
Key FactsJan 31, 2025 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: apnews.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: apnews.com
- Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have captured multiple towns after taking Goma and are advancing swiftly toward South Kivu’s capital, Bukavu.
- The UN reports at least 12 summary executions by M23 and numerous cases of sexual violence by Congolese forces.
- Humanitarian operations have stalled, exacerbating displacement and leaving many communities without essential aid.
- Regional blocs and the UN are pushing for a ceasefire and stronger peacekeeping efforts to halt ongoing hostilities.
The flame of resistance will never be extinguished.— Maj. Gen. Somo Kakule Evariste, newly appointed governor of North Kivu, vowing to restore government control in Goma.
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At least 770 killed in Goma, east DRC, in fighting with Rwanda-backed M23: Rebels had captured the city in January in major escalation of 10-year-old conflict
theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/01/at-least-770-killed-in-goma-east-drc-in-fighting-with-rwanda-backed-m23
Rebels move deeper into eastern DR Congo as UN says hundreds killed: Rwanda-backed rebels are quickly expanding their presence in eastern DR Congo after ...
euronews.com/2025/02/01/rebels-move-deeper-into-eastern-dr-congo-as-un-says-hundreds-killed
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Congo and Rwanda-backed rebels sign declaration of principles for a permanent ceasefire in the east
cnn.com/2025/07/19/africa/congo-rwanda-m23-rebels-ceasefire-intl
Key FactsDeclaration Commits to Lasting Peace in Eastern Congo
Jul 19, 2025 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: cnn.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: cnn.com
- Rebels backed by Rwanda signed a principles declaration in Qatar to establish a permanent ceasefire in eastern Congo.
- The peace deal must be finalized by August 18 and aligns with the June agreement between Congo and Rwanda facilitated by the US.
- The M23 group holds key cities in the mineral-rich east amid a conflict displacing seven million people.
- Crucial issues remain over rebel withdrawal, prisoner releases, and Rwanda's military presence in the region.
Rwanda agreed to lift its 'defensive measures'.— Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe said this in the context of the peace talks between Rwanda and Congo.
DRC and M23 Fighters Sign Deal to End Fighting in Eastern Congo: The Democratic Republic of the Congo and rebel forces have agreed to a declaration of principles ...
democracynow.org/2025/7/21/headlines/drc_and_m23_fighters_sign_deal_to_end_fighting_in_eastern_congo
Uganda reopens border with M23-held eastern DRC | Africanews: Six months after closing key border crossings due to rebel advances, Uganda has reopened its ...
africanews.com/2025/07/12/uganda-reopens-border-with-m23-held-eastern-drc/
Congo-Kinshasa: Qatar Offers Proposal in Stalled Peace Talks Between DRC and M23: Qatar has presented a draft peace proposal to the Democratic Republic of Congo ...
allafrica.com/stories/202506060285.html
M23 rebels executed civilians in Congo, Human Rights Watch says: “Commanders and combatants who directly ordered or carried out abuses should be held criminally ...
monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/m23-rebels-executed-civilians-in-congo-human-rights-watch-says-5068368
Former DR Congo president Kabila visits rebel-held Goma: Ex-president Joseph Kabila was back in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Thursday ...
france24.com/en/africa/20250529-former-dr-congo-president-kabila-visits-rwanda-rebel-held-city-m23-goma
Sunday Times May 30
DRC ex-president Kabila makes first public appearance in rebel-held Goma: The Democratic Republic of Congo's former president Joseph Kabila appeared for the ...
timeslive.co.za/news/africa/2025-05-30-drc-ex-president-kabila-makes-first-public-appearance-in-rebel-held-goma/
Joseph Kabila: Ex-DR Congo president returns to the country, party says: Joseph Kabila is now in rebel-held Goma, according to the M23 armed group and a party ...
bbc.com/news/articles/cy8nrg2r0evo
Illegal logging in rebel-held Congo threatens gorillas, alarms environmentalists
asiaone.com/world/illegal-logging-rebel-held-congo-threatens-gorillas-alarms-environmentalists
Life without cash in captured DR Congo city: GOMA, DR Conga -- | Cash has become so scarce in Goma, the eastern Congolese city seized by anti-government fighters ...
globalnation.inquirer.net/277694/life-without-cash-in-captured-dr-congo-city
Life without cash in captured DR Congo city: After the city fell to the Rwanda-backed M23 group, authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo stopped ...
standardmedia.co.ke/africa/article/2001519227/life-without-cash-in-captured-city-of-goma
Rwanda escorts Sadc troops from DRC to Tanzania, says army spokesperson: Rwanda's army is escorting the troops of a Southern African force through Rwandan ...
timeslive.co.za/news/africa/2025-04-29-rwanda-escorts-sadc-troops-from-drc-to-tanzania-says-army-spokesperson/
Red Cross escorts DRC troops from UN base in rebel-held Goma to Kinshasa: Hundreds of Congolese soldiers and police officers seeking refuge at the UN's base ...
timeslive.co.za/news/africa/2025-04-30-red-cross-escorts-drc-troops-from-un-base-in-rebel-held-goma-to-kinshasa/
Rebels' battlefield advantage in east Congo complicates push for talks: For years, Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo demanded ...
reuters.com/world/africa/rebels-battlefield-advantage-east-congo-complicates-push-talks-2025-03-19/
Key FactsM23 Rebels Withdraw from Peace Talks
Mar 17, 2025 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: bit.ly
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: bit.ly
- M23 rebels have pulled out of peace talks with the Democratic Republic of Congo's government following EU sanctions imposed on them and Rwandan officials.
- Despite the withdrawal, Congo President Felix Tshisekedi agreed to send a delegation to Luanda for negotiations after initially refusing to engage with M23.
- The conflict, rooted in the aftermath of Rwanda's 1994 genocide, has escalated significantly, with M23 capturing key eastern Congo cities.
- Rwanda severed diplomatic ties with Belgium after it called for EU actions against Kigali, accusing Belgium of fostering negative perceptions of Rwanda.
How Far Will Rwanda Go in Congo? Amid Western Inaction, Kigali Is Carving Up Its Neighbor and Reigniting a Regional War
foreignaffairs.com/democratic-republic-congo/how-far-will-rwanda-go-congo
The Globe and Mail Feb 19
A weakened Congo falls prey to foreign armies: With no real pressure against it, M23 continues to expand southward, now controlling both North Kivu and South ...
theglobeandmail.com/world/article-a-weakened-congo-falls-prey-to-foreign-armies/
Paid articlePaywallCongo's army and Burundian allies slow M23 rebel's southern march: Uganda, meanwhile, which also has troops in eastern Congo to take on Ugandan rebels based ...
bit.ly/40GZvzm
Key FactsRwanda’s Role Deepens Crisis in Eastern Congo
Feb 1, 2025 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: democracynow.org
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: democracynow.org
- Since January 6, 2025, Rwandan-backed M23 fighters have intensified attacks in eastern DRC, capturing key locations including parts of Goma.
- The violence has resulted in at least 17 fatalities and more than 370 wounded, overwhelming hospitals and disrupting essential services.
- Despite condemnations, Western nations continue to provide Rwanda with aid and trade agreements, enabling continued military actions.
- This conflict threatens regional stability and endangers critical mineral supplies vital for global climate and clean energy efforts.
What we see unfolding in the Congo is really a scar on the conscience of humanity.— Maurice Carney, co-founder and executive director of Friends of the Congo, discussing the humanitarian crisis in the Congo.
Rwanda’s Kagame says he agrees with US on need for ceasefire in DRC: Rwanda's President Paul Kagame said he agreed with the US government on the need for a ...
timeslive.co.za/news/africa/2025-01-29-rwandas-kagame-says-he-agrees-with-us-on-need-for-ceasefire-in-drc/
Key FactsRwanda's Involvement in M23 Rebellion Exposed
Jan 29, 2025 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: bbc.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: bbc.com
- Protests erupted in Kinshasa against Rwandan President Paul Kagame amid M23 rebels seizing Goma, with increasing allegations of Rwandan military support.
- UN experts assert that the Rwandan army plays a significant role in M23 operations, providing training and advanced weaponry.
- The ongoing conflict has led to the displacement of 400,000 people this month, with Goma becoming a battleground, raising regional security concerns.
- Despite Rwanda's denials, evidence points to a strategic interest in controlling valuable resources in eastern DR Congo behind the M23's advances.
Defence minister Angie Motshekga denies SANDF troops in DRC are under-resourced: Concerns were raised about South African soldiers not having enough ammunition ...
timeslive.co.za/politics/2025-01-30-defence-minister-angie-motshekga-denies-sandf-troops-in-drc-are-under-resourced/
Key FactsSafety of SANDF Camps in the DRC Confirmed
Jan 29, 2025 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: iol.co.za
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: iol.co.za
- Defense Minister Angie Motshekga reports that SANDF camps in the DRC have not been attacked in the last 48 hours.
- South Africa calls for a ceasefire, emphasizing that conflicts must be resolved through negotiations.
- President Cyril Ramaphosa issued a warning to Rwanda against further hostilities towards SANDF members, which could be seen as a declaration of war.
- So far, 13 SANDF members have been confirmed killed in Goma, while the SANDF remains committed to its peacekeeping mission.
DR Congo President Felix Tshisekedi vows 'vigorous' response to M23 rebels in Goma
bbc.com/news/articles/ckgn1k9nleno
Key FactsTshisekedi Promises Strong Response to M23 Rebels
Jan 30, 2025 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: bbc.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: bbc.com
- Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi has vowed a vigorous and coordinated fight against M23 rebels, who have seized Goma and surrounding areas.
- Tshisekedi criticized the international community for inaction and urged Congolese citizens to support the army.
- The rebel offensive has displaced approximately 500,000 people, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis.
- Tensions between Rwanda and South Africa have escalated, while Angola has called for urgent talks between the Congolese and Rwandan leaders.
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