DRC Conflict Escalates: 74 Civilians Killed as M23 Rebels Capture Uvira, Over 200,000 Displaced
Uvira, Democratic Republic of Congo — At least 74 civilians have been killed in December amid intense clashes between M23/AFC rebels and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), according to the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO).
The fighting, which erupted on December 2, 2025, has engulfed large parts of Uvira Territory in South Kivu. Affected areas include Katogota, Lubalika, Luvungi, Bwegera, Mutalule, Nyakabere, Kyanyunda, Sange, Kabunambo, Luningu, Kiliba, Kahwizi, and Kala—most of which have reportedly fallen under rebel control.
M23 Claims Capture of Uvira
On Wednesday, the M23 rebel movement announced it had seized the strategic city of Uvira, further expanding its territorial gains across eastern DRC.
Bruno Lemarquis, the UN humanitarian coordinator in the DRC and acting head of MONUSCO, confirmed the escalating toll, reporting 83 civilian injuries in addition to the 74 deaths.
Lemarquis warned of a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian and security situation, saying more than 200,000 people have been displaced within South Kivu Province alone. Thousands more are fleeing across borders into Burundi and Rwanda to escape the violence.
UN Cites Hope in Recent Peace Agreement
Despite the worsening conflict, Lemarquis noted that the December 4, 2025 peace agreement signed in Washington between the Congolese and Rwandan governments offers “a glimmer of hope.”
However, he stressed that progress depends on an immediate cessation of hostilities. Humanitarian organizations, he added, stand ready to deploy assistance as soon as conditions stabilize.
Kinshasa Silent as Rebels Consolidate Control
The Congolese government has not yet issued a statement regarding the fall of Uvira or MONUSCO’s assessment.
M23/AFC leadership has also refrained from directly addressing the UN’s remarks.
But on Wednesday night, M23 political spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka confirmed the capture of Uvira, calling it a “liberation” and urging displaced residents to return.
“Today, the threat has been lifted, and we confirm that the city of Uvira is now liberated,”
— Lawrence Kanyuka, M23/AFC spokesperson
He accused government-aligned forces of perpetrating hate speech and targeted attacks, claiming the rebel advance was necessary to protect civilians.
M23 Offensive Expands Across Eastern Congo
Throughout 2025, M23 has captured multiple major towns, key transport corridors, and two main regional airports—marking one of the group’s most significant offensives since its resurgence in 2022 under leaders Bertrand Bisimwa and Emmanuel Sultan Makenga.
Kinshasa has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting the rebels, allegations denied by both Kigali and M23.
The rebel movement insists its mission is to fight corruption, xenophobia, and discrimination within the Congolese political system.
With rebel advances continuing and regional tensions rising, analysts warn that the situation risks triggering a broader regional conflict unless urgent diplomatic action is taken.
