DR Congo Accuses Rwanda of Killing More Than 1,500 Civilians in Renewed Eastern Fighting

The Democratic Republic of Congo has accused neighbouring Rwanda of killing more than 1,500 civilians in the eastern part of the country over the past month, amid intensified fighting linked to the M23 rebel group.

In a statement issued by the Congolese government, authorities said the deaths occurred following a renewed M23 offensive that began in early December, during which rebels seized several areas, including the strategic town of Uvira in South Kivu province. Kinshasa alleged that Rwandan forces directly supported the operation, a claim Kigali has repeatedly denied.

According to the statement, Congolese officials accused Rwanda of deploying troops, drones and heavy weaponry in support of the rebels, targeting civilian areas and vital supply routes in South Kivu and neighbouring Tanganyika province. The government described the actions as a “grave violation” of international law and regional agreements.

The escalation has triggered a major humanitarian crisis. United Nations agencies say hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced by the fighting, with more than 80,000 civilians fleeing into Burundi in recent weeks. Aid groups warn that overcrowded camps and limited access to food, shelter and medical care are worsening conditions for those forced to flee.

The M23 group has claimed it is withdrawing from some areas it captured, including Uvira, but Congolese authorities and international partners have expressed scepticism. Both the DRC government and the United States have said there is little evidence on the ground to confirm a full pullback.

Rwanda has consistently rejected accusations of backing the rebels, insisting it has no military presence inside Congolese territory and blaming Kinshasa for failing to address insecurity in the region.

Eastern Congo has endured decades of conflict driven by armed groups, competition over mineral resources and regional rivalries, making it one of Africa’s most unstable regions. Diplomatic efforts by regional blocs and international mediators to de-escalate tensions between the DRC and Rwanda have so far failed to produce lasting results.

SOURCE: TRT