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M23 Enters Uvira, Threatening Burundi and Undercutting Washington Peace Deal

A UN estimate of 6,000 to 7,000 Rwandan troops backing the advance underscores the risk of wider spillover.

Overview

  • Rebel fighters moved into Uvira’s northern outskirts Tuesday night, with control of the strategic border city still uncertain on Wednesday.
  • Burundi accused Rwanda of bombing its territory in Cibitoke, injuring two people including a 12-year-old, and the foreign ministry summoned diplomats.
  • More than 30,000 Congolese fled into Burundi in a week while OCHA estimates over 200,000 people have been displaced within South Kivu since December 2.
  • The offensive accelerated days after Presidents Félix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame ratified a US-brokered accord in Washington, prompting US and European calls for an immediate halt.
  • Burundi reportedly closed its border with the DRC following the M23 entry into Uvira, as about 18,000 Burundian troops operate in eastern DRC alongside FARDC.