International group sounds alarm over escalating violence in eastern Congo

An international diplomatic coalition has issued a strong warning over escalating violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The International Contact Group for the Great Lakes (ICG), chaired by Germany and including the US, UK, EU, and several European nations, expressed "profound concern" on Tuesday regarding a new offensive by the M23 rebel group around Uvira in South Kivu province.

Calls for an immediate halt to hostilities and Rwandan withdrawal

The ICG warned that the fighting carries significant "destabilizing potential" for the wider region and raised particular alarm over the increased use of attack and suicide drones, labeling it a "significant escalation" that poses an acute risk to civilians. The group explicitly urged the M23 and the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) to "immediately halt" offensive operations. It called for the RDF to withdraw from Congolese territory and demanded the M23 retreat to its previous positions and uphold its commitments under a July 2025 Declaration of Principles signed in Doha.

Urging adherence to UN resolutions and new peace accords

The statement called on all parties to protect civilians, adhere to UN Security Council Resolution 2773—which demands an end to M23 offensives and Rwandan support—and respect territorial integrity. It specifically emphasized the need to uphold the "Washington Accords," a historic peace and economic agreement signed by Congo and Rwanda on December 4 aimed at ending the conflict. The group also stressed the necessity of safe, unimpeded humanitarian access.

Context of renewed conflict and upcoming talks

The M23, which the UN and Kinshasa accuse Rwanda of backing—a claim Kigali denies—resumed its insurgency in 2021, seizing large swathes of territory in North and South Kivu. Recent clashes have resulted in at least 74 deaths and 83 injuries. Despite the violence, the M23 announced on Tuesday that new talks with the Congolese government are set to take place in Doha, following a peace framework agreement brokered by Qatar last month.