About 200,000 people have fled their homes in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo in recent days, according to the United Nations, as Rwanda-backed M23 rebels push toward the strategic border town of Uvira. The UN confirmed that at least 74 civilians have been killed and more than 80 others hospitalized following intense clashes between the rebels, Congolese forces and local Wazalendo militias in villages north of the lakeside town. The rapid escalation comes just days after former U.S. President Donald Trump hosted the leaders of Rwanda and the DRC to celebrate a peace commitment brokered by the U.S. and Qatar.

Local officials and residents report that M23 — long accused of receiving direct military support from Rwanda — has advanced using increasingly sophisticated weaponry, including attack and suicide drones. International observers warn that these tactics represent a major shift in the conflict and significantly heighten risks for civilians in the already volatile region. The fighting has triggered a humanitarian emergency, with thousands fleeing toward Burundi’s border and others trapped in conflict zones without access to aid.

In Washington, the United States and nine other members of the International Contact Group for the Great Lakes expressed “profound concern” over the rebel offensive, stating that it poses a destabilizing threat to the entire region. The renewed violence has cast doubt on the durability of last week’s peace pact, raising fears that diplomatic efforts have failed to curb one of Africa’s most entrenched conflicts. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news details and follow us on all our social media platforms.