The United States and European nations have expressed deep concern over a renewed outbreak of violence in South Kivu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), following a new offensive by the March 23 Movement (M23), reportedly supported by Rwanda.
The International Contact Group for the Great Lakes (ICG), comprising the U.S., Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, the EU, the Netherlands, and the UK, issued a statement on Tuesday warning that the escalation “risks destabilizing the whole region.”
The ICG highlighted the increased use of attack and suicide drones in the conflict, describing it as a “significant escalation” that poses acute risks to civilians.
The group called on M23 and the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) to immediately halt offensive operations in South Kivu, urging the RDF to withdraw from eastern DRC and M23 to comply with the Declaration of Principles signed in Doha in July 2025.
The U.S. and European allies also stressed the need to protect civilians, adhere to United Nations Security Council Resolution 2773, respect territorial integrity, and uphold commitments under the Washington Accords of December 4, 2025.
The ICG further warned against inflammatory speech or provocative actions that could jeopardize civilians and undermine progress made under the Framework Agreement signed between the DRC government and M23 in Doha last November.
In recent days, M23 fighters, backed by the Rwandan army, advanced into South Kivu, capturing Luvungi and several surrounding villages. Thousands of residents have fled as fighting intensifies near the border with Burundi.
The Congolese Armed Forces reportedly withdrew from Luvungi to avoid further escalation. According to the army, multiple projectiles fired from Rwandan territory struck communities in the Ruzizi area, killing civilians and destroying homes, schools, and health facilities.
President Felix Tshisekedi has accused Rwanda of violating the U.S.-brokered peace agreement. “Despite our good faith and the recently ratified agreement, Rwanda is already violating its commitments,” he told lawmakers on Monday.
The ICG’s statement underscores growing international concern that the conflict in South Kivu could destabilize the broader Great Lakes region if urgent measures are not taken to de-escalate tensions.
