DRC accuses Rwanda of peace deal violations as M23 advances in the east

The US and European nations have called on Rwanda and the M23 rebel group to cease their offensive in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), following the recent signing of a peace agreement in Washington. This appeal comes as M23 fighters have taken control of the strategic city of Uvira, prompting a mass exodus of civilians into Burundi.

Fierce fighting has erupted in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as M23 rebel fighters advance towards the strategic city of Uvira, just days after a peace deal was signed between Rwanda and the DRC in Washington. This escalation follows a history of conflict involving the M23 group, which has been accused of receiving support from Rwanda.

About 200,000 people have fled their homes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as Rwanda-backed M23 rebels clash with the Congolese army and other groups while advancing towards a strategic eastern town, just days after a peace deal was brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump between Rwanda and the DRC. The UN reports at least 74 fatalities, primarily among civilians, due to the escalating violence in the region.

On December 7, 2025, an attempted coup in Benin was swiftly thwarted by government forces, resulting in casualties on both sides. The coup was announced on state television by a group of soldiers claiming to have dissolved President Patrice Talon's government. Following the incident, the military has been actively searching for fugitive soldiers involved in the coup attempt.

U.S. President Donald Trump has been under scrutiny for his diplomatic efforts, particularly following the signing of a peace deal between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) amid ongoing violence in the region. This agreement, facilitated by Trump, aims to address the long-standing conflicts in eastern Congo and was formalized in a ceremony at the White House attended by both nations' leaders.