Peace on paper, war on the ground: M23 rebels capture new city in eastern Congo
11 Dec 2025
4 minutes
In recent days, violence in eastern Congo has escalated sharply again. While the ink on the peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda is still lingering, the M23 rebels have now also captured the town of Uvira, on the border with Burundi. What does this mean for the population, the region, and the prospects for lasting peace? We put five questions to our expert, Eva Demaré.
1. Last week, Congo and Rwanda signed a peace agreement. What did it say, and what role did the US play?
“On December 4, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame signed a peace agreement in Washington, under the influence of President TrumpHe spoke of a historic deal and his “eight wars” that he has ended with this deal.
“Congo and Rwanda have committed themselves to a ceasefire in eastern Congo, a withdrawal of Rwandan troops and an end to support for rebel groups. The agreement also provides for a economic cooperation between Rwanda, Congo and the US, including investments in strategic infrastructure and cooperation for the exploitation of critical minerals.”
2. But less than a week after the peace deal, the city of Uvira has also fallen into the hands of M23. What happened, and why is this city so strategically important?
“Since yesterday afternoon Uvira – with such a 760.000 inhabitants - fell into the hands of the M23 rebels. According to Congolese authorities, some 413 civilians were killed.
"Uvira is an important border town with Burundi, located on Lake Tanganyika, and the second largest city in South Kivu after Bukavu.”
“The city is located in a strategic position along important trade and military routes of the province. After Goma and Bukavu, Uvira is the third major city in the hands of the M23. This strengthens the rebels' grip on eastern Congo.
3. Yet there was talk of a "historic peace deal." Why is violence flaring up again now? What's going wrong between paper and practice?
The agreement is supposed to guarantee a ceasefire, among other things, but it fails to achieve this. On the contrary: the past few months have been the deadliest in a long time. Since November, nearly 600 civilians have been killed in attacks in Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu.”
The UN Human Rights Office also reported a more than doubling of sexual violence between January and June compared to last year. A striking case of talk and fight: diplomatic photos in Washington, while troop movements and attacks in eastern Congo continue as usual.
“Why does it fail? There are several reasons for this. Firstly, there are no inclusive negotiations: Local organizations, armed groups, and neighboring countries – which are supposed to help implement the agreements – are not involved in the talks. This also applies to core issues such as fight against impunity is silenced in all languages. And then there is the lack of accountability, especially towards Rwanda, which has been linked to support for M23 by UN reports and several governments.”
“Without legitimacy and enforcement, a peace agreement will not become a reality, but a paper promise.”
4. What is the humanitarian impact?
“It is enormous and growing daily. Since the beginning of December alone, according to the UN, at least 200.000 people are on the run, of which about 60.000 are heading to Burundi.”
"But Burundi The country itself is in a very severe socio-economic crisis. The country is unable to accommodate these large numbers of people. There are already reports of Congolese being stopped at the border and sent back.
“Without shelter for these people, the humanitarian consequences are dramatic: food, shelter and medical care are inadequate. The worst is already happening. cholera outbreak in the country for 25 years.”
5. What is needed for true peace? And what should the international community do?
“Lasting peace requires more than diplomatic statements. The EU and the international community must jointly exert pressure for an immediate ceasefire and respond unequivocally to Rwanda's continued violations of the peace agreement and international law.”
"Belgium can play a pioneering role in this regard. In the run-up to the Foreign Affairs Council meeting on December 15, Belgium can support targeted sanctions against M23 leaders and responsible Rwandan top figures. Furthermore, strengthening the justice system is crucial: support for the International Criminal Court and the establishment of a hybrid court with international and Congolese judges can finally help break the impunity.
“At the same time, the EU and partners must urgent humanitarian and logistical support Scaling up, including for the tens of thousands of Congolese who fled to Burundi. That country has already seriously exceeded its capacity to receive refugees. Without rapid international assistance, the situation risks deteriorating even further.
“Finally, a strategy is needed to support activists, journalists and human rights defenders in Uvira and the surrounding area to better protectThis means, among other things, emergency visas, safe passage, and evacuations for those most at risk. Only in this way can their crucial work continue in an increasingly hostile environment.
“As an international community, we have one choice: watch as eastern Congo continues to burn, or use our diplomacy, resources, and political will to finally force peace.”
Eva Demaré
Policy Officer Great Lakes Region
