M23 Rebels Offensive in DR Congo (2025)
Following a lightning onslaught, the rebel forces of M23 movement allegedly backed by Rwanda took control of nearly the whole city of Goma, a vital hub for the trade of minerals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in late January 2025.

DRC PM Demands Withdrawal of 'Rwandan Troops' Amidst Escalating Conflict

15:54, 16 February 2025
© AP Photo / Janvier Barhahiga
Ekaterina Shilova
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Earlier, on Friday, M23 rebels entered Bukavu, the second-largest city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
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DRC Prime Minister Judith Suminwa demanded the withdrawal of Rwandan troops, emphasizing the country's sovereignty amidst escalating conflict.

"We are an independent country, and we must protect the integrity of our territory," he told Western media.

Rwanda denies military support for M23, but a UN report alleges Rwanda has 4,000 troops in eastern DRC and exercises "de facto" control over the group. Conversely, Rwanda accuses the DRC of supporting the FDLR, linked to the Rwandan genocide.
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Amidst the crisis, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged dialogue, warning of a regional war. President Tshisekedi, refusing to negotiate with M23, skipped the AU Summit.
M23 Rebels Offensive in DR Congo (2025)conflictFelix TshisekediAntonio GuterresDemocratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)RwandaUnited Nations (UN)Central AfricawarM23 rebels