New Rebel Offensive in Congo Forces 200,000 to Flee Despite Trump-Backed Peace Deal

Post by : Saif Nasser

A new wave of violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has forced around 200,000 people to flee their homes, according to the United Nations. This sudden crisis comes only days after former U.S. President Donald Trump hosted leaders from Rwanda and Congo to announce a peace agreement meant to end years of conflict.

Fresh Violence After Peace Pact

Despite the public signing of a peace pact in Washington last week, fighting has sharply increased. The U.N. reported that at least 74 civilians have been killed and more than 80 people wounded in the past few days. Many families are now escaping with whatever they can carry as rebel forces move closer to populated areas.

The attacks are being carried out by the M23 rebel group, which Congo and many international observers say is strongly supported by Rwanda. Rwanda denies these accusations, even though both the U.S. government and the United Nations say they have clear evidence of Rwandan involvement.

Rebels Push Toward Uvira

Local authorities said the M23 group is advancing toward Uvira, a strategic town on the border with Burundi. They have been fighting Congo’s army and local self-defense groups known as Wazalendo in several villages north of the town.

On Monday, panic spread in Uvira after rumors that the rebels were close, causing people to rush out of the town. Officials later said the situation had calmed, but fear remains very high.

Reports from the region also confirm that the rebels have captured Luvungi, a key front-line town, and heavy battles are now happening near Sange and Kiliba on the main road to Uvira. Local officials say many residents fled before the rebels arrived.

International Concern Grows

On Tuesday, the International Contact Group for the Great Lakes – which includes the U.S. and nine other countries – expressed “profound concern” over the renewed attacks. The group warned that the rebel offensive could destabilize the entire region.

The statement also noted that the use of attack drones and suicide drones by the rebels marks a dangerous new phase in the conflict and threatens civilian lives.

The U.S. State Department said it was “deeply concerned” and urged Rwanda to stop supporting M23 and help prevent further escalation.

Trump’s Peace Claim Under Pressure

The violence comes just days after Donald Trump hosted the presidents of Congo and Rwanda in Washington. During the ceremony on December 4, Trump said the U.S.-Qatari peace plan had succeeded in ending a three-decade-long conflict. He declared, “Today we’re succeeding where so many others have failed.”

But the renewed fighting and mass displacement have raised questions about the durability of the agreement.

Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi told lawmakers on Monday that Rwanda was violating commitments it had made during the Washington talks.

A senior U.S. official said Washington was watching the situation closely and that Trump expects “immediate results” from both sides.

Rebel Leaders Send Messages

Corneille Nangaa, the leader of the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) coalition that includes M23, called on Congo’s soldiers in Uvira not to abandon the town. He urged them to stay and wait for the rebels’ arrival, promising they would “free” them.

Meanwhile, M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa insisted that the group still supports ongoing peace negotiations in Doha. He said, “There are no solutions other than the negotiating table,” but added that counterattacks would continue.

Millions Already Displaced

Before this latest surge in fighting, the conflict in eastern Congo had already displaced more than 1.2 million people. The new wave of over 200,000 displaced families is adding immense pressure to local communities and humanitarian organizations.

Call for Ceasefire

The International Contact Group has urged all sides to stop fighting immediately and return to positions agreed upon earlier in July. It also demanded that Rwanda withdraw its troops from eastern Congo and that M23 halt all offensive operations.