Uvira: The International Contact Group for the Great Lakes (ICG) has expressed profound concern over the renewed violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The recent offensive by the March 23 Movement (M23), reportedly supported by Rwanda, around Uvira in South Kivu near Burundi, threatens to destabilize the entire region. The increased use of both attack and suicide drones in the conflict marks a significant escalation, posing a severe risk to civilian populations.
According to EMM, the ICG has urged the M23 and the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) to immediately cease offensive operations in eastern DRC, specifically in South Kivu. The group has called on the RDF to withdraw from the region in compliance with UNSC resolution 2773 and on the M23 to adhere to its commitments under the Declaration of Principles signed in Doha on 19 July 2025.
The ICG has appealed to all parties to honor their obligations to protect civilians and adhere to UNSC resolution 2773, including respecting territorial integrity. They are urged to uphold their commitments under the Washington Accords of 4 December 2025 and to deescalate the situation promptly. The group emphasizes avoiding escalatory or provocative actions that put civilian populations at risk and could undermine the progress made with the Framework Agreement signed in Doha on 15 November 2025 by the DRC government and M23. The ICG further calls for all involved actors to recommit to the ceasefire and ensure full, safe, and unimpeded humanitarian access to provide critical assistance to those in need.