Tue Feb 18 21:43:00 UTC 2025: ## M23 Rebels Advance in Eastern Congo, Raising International Alarm
**DAKAR, Senegal —** Rwanda-backed M23 rebels are reportedly advancing towards Butembo, a major city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), prompting fears of further violence and displacement. This follows the rebels’ recent seizure of Goma and Bukavu, two other major cities in the mineral-rich region. Residents report ongoing attacks on Congolese army positions, and a rapidly deteriorating security situation.
The M23, one of over 100 armed groups vying for control of the DRC’s resources, is supported by approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops according to UN experts. Their advance has sparked international condemnation, with the UK Foreign Office summoning the Rwandan ambassador and demanding the immediate withdrawal of Rwandan troops from Congolese territory.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has accused the M23 of killing children and attacking hospitals and humanitarian aid warehouses in Bukavu. The UN Human Rights Council has launched a commission to investigate atrocities committed by both the rebels and Congolese government forces.
Uganda has also deployed troops to Bunia, another eastern Congolese city, citing the need to combat violence from armed groups. This deployment follows a pattern of periodic Ugandan military interventions in the DRC.
The M23’s stated aims are to protect Tutsis and Congolese of Rwandan origin and to reform the DRC. However, analysts largely attribute their actions to Rwanda’s involvement, viewing the stated goals as pretexts for broader ambitions. The situation in eastern DRC remains extremely volatile, with millions displaced and a major humanitarian crisis unfolding. The rebels’ continued advance raises serious concerns about the potential for further loss of life and a worsening humanitarian disaster.
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