The US ambassador to the UN has accused Rwanda of leading Africa's Great Lakes region toward war, just over a week after a peace deal was signed in Washington to end the decades-long conflict.
US President Donald Trump hailed the deal between DR Congo's President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwanda's President Paul Kagame as 'historic' and 'a great day for Africa, great day for the world'.
However, the M23 rebel group claims it has 'fully liberated' the key city of Uvira amid an offensive allegedly backed by Rwanda, which has denied any involvement. The rebels were not part of Trump's deal and have pursued a separate peace initiative led by Qatar.
Prof Jason Stearns noted that the M23's seizure of Uvira increases their negotiating leverage and complicates ongoing discussions. With Uvira being a strategic military and logistical hub, these developments could escalate hostilities further.
The situation is dire as the M23's actions appear deliberately timed to undermine international peace efforts, complicating Rwanda's and DR Congo's governments, while provoking concern over a possible regional war.
Amidst accusations and counter-accusations, aid agencies report that about 50,000 individuals have fled into Burundi due to the recent violence, indicating a rapid humanitarian crisis. The fall of Uvira threatens to destabilize not just DR Congo but also neighboring Burundi, further intensifying the ethnic and political rivalries in the region.
