According to a U.N. experts’ report reviewed by the Associated Press, the Congolese armed forces, the M23 rebel movement and Rwanda have all failed to fully implement provisions of the U.S.-brokered agreement reached in December. The accord, initiated during the Trump administration, sought to curb hostilities and stabilize one of Africa’s longest-running conflicts.

Armed Groups Accused of Breaking Commitments

The U.N. panel said the Congolese military has continued cooperating with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), an armed Hutu group whose ranks include individuals linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Kinshasa had pledged under the peace agreement to end any collaboration with the group.

The report also found that the Rwanda-backed M23 movement has not withdrawn from territory captured during its rapid military offensive in early 2025. Instead, investigators said the group has consolidated its positions and continues to pursue objectives that include challenging the authority of the government in Kinshasa.

U.N. Describes Extensive Rwandan Support

The panel concluded that Rwanda continues to exercise substantial influence over M23 and maintains a significant military presence inside eastern Congo.

According to the report, U.N. experts estimated that between 8,000 and 10,000 Rwandan troops remained deployed in South Kivu, with an additional 6,000 to 8,000 personnel operating in North Kivu during late 2025. Investigators said they found no evidence of major troop withdrawals after that period, describing the deployment as inconsistent with commitments made under the peace agreement.

Rwanda has consistently stated that its security actions are intended to counter the FDLR and address threats along its border. Congo and the United States, however, have accused Kigali of supporting M23 to strengthen access to eastern Congo’s valuable mineral resources. Rwanda has rejected those allegations.

Humanitarian and Security Concerns Persist

The U.N. report identified M23 as a leading perpetrator of conflict-related sexual violence in areas under its control and warned that the humanitarian situation remains severe.

The United Nations has repeatedly described the conflict in eastern Congo as one of the world’s most prolonged and complex humanitarian crises, with millions of civilians affected by displacement, insecurity and recurring violence.

Mineral Smuggling Remains a Key Concern

Investigators also said mineral resources extracted from Rubaya and other mining areas in the Masisi territory continue to be transported into Rwanda through networks controlled by M23.

According to the report, the rebel movement has established parallel administrative and economic structures in territories under its control, with mineral exports reportedly benefiting companies linked to Rwanda.

International Pressure Increases

The findings come as the Congolese government pursues legal action against Rwanda before the International Court of Justice, accusing its neighbor of responsibility for the violence that has destabilized eastern Congo.

Separately, the United States recently imposed sanctions on Gasabo Gold Refinery, a Rwanda-based company. U.S. authorities said the refinery formed part of a network operating in coordination with M23 and stated the measures were intended to support ongoing peace initiatives led by the United States and Qatar.

Diplomatic efforts to secure a lasting settlement remain underway, but the latest U.N. assessment suggests significant obstacles remain before the December peace agreement can be fully implemented.

Tags: Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, M23, United Nations, Eastern Congo, FDLR, International Court of Justice, Conflict, Humanitarian Crisis, Mineral Smuggling, Sanctions, Africa

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The Congolese government announced Friday that its application asks the United Nations’ highest judicial body to determine that Rwanda violated multiple international treaties through its alleged involvement in armed conflict in eastern Congo dating back to the 1990s.

According to the filing, Congo accuses Rwanda of breaching international conventions covering genocide, racial discrimination, discrimination against women, and torture. Kinshasa alleges that civilians have endured massacres, extrajudicial killings, torture, sexual violence, forced displacement, and ethnic- and gender-based persecution throughout the prolonged conflict.

Congo seeks legal accountability and reparations

Congo has asked the ICJ to declare Rwanda internationally responsible for the conflict, order Kigali to cease activities within Congolese territory, require guarantees against future violations, and award reparations to both the Congolese state and civilian victims.

The International Court of Justice confirmed that it had received Congo’s application instituting legal proceedings. However, the court said it has not yet determined whether it has jurisdiction to hear the case.

The filing represents Congo’s third attempt to bring Rwanda before the ICJ.

An earlier application submitted in 2001 was later withdrawn by Congolese authorities, while a second case filed in 2002 was dismissed in 2006 after the court concluded it lacked jurisdiction because Rwanda had not accepted certain treaty obligations cited by Congo or had entered reservations limiting the court’s authority.

Conflict rooted in decades of regional instability

Eastern Congo has endured armed conflict for decades as government forces and allied militias continue fighting more than 100 armed groups operating across the mineral-rich region.

Among the most powerful is the M23 rebel movement, which Congolese authorities and the United States accuse of receiving support from Rwanda.

M23 fighters made significant territorial gains early last year, capturing the strategic city of Goma and expanding control across parts of eastern Congo.

The United Nations has described the conflict as one of the world’s longest-running, most complex, and most severe humanitarian emergencies.

The roots of the violence extend to the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, when Hutu fighters responsible for the killings fled into eastern Congo.

Rwanda has repeatedly stated that its military actions and security policies are intended to prevent armed Hutu groups from threatening its national security.

Congolese authorities and the U.S. government, however, have accused Rwanda of using security concerns as a justification for supporting rebel groups in order to gain influence over eastern Congo’s valuable mineral resources.

Rwanda denies allegations

The Congolese filing identifies several armed organizations that it alleges have received Rwandan backing over the years, including the M23 movement.

Rwanda has consistently denied supporting armed groups operating in eastern Congo.

However, United Nations experts have previously reported finding evidence that Rwandan military personnel operated alongside and provided direction to M23 fighters. Rwanda has rejected those findings.

As of Friday, the Rwandan government had not publicly responded to Congo’s latest legal action before the ICJ.

Peace negotiations continue alongside legal action

The legal proceedings come as separate peace initiatives mediated by the United States and Qatar continue in an effort to reduce tensions between Congo and Rwanda and achieve a lasting settlement to the conflict.

Diplomatic efforts have so far struggled to produce a durable agreement despite months of negotiations.

On Thursday, the United States announced sanctions against Gasabo Gold Refinery, a Rwanda-based company that U.S. authorities described as part of a network allegedly operating in coordination with M23 in eastern Congo.

According to U.S. officials, the sanctions are intended to support ongoing peace initiatives led jointly by the United States and Qatar while increasing pressure on networks accused of contributing to instability in eastern Congo.

Tags: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, International Court of Justice, ICJ, M23, Eastern Congo, United Nations, International Law, Humanitarian Crisis, Gasabo Gold Refinery, Peace Talks, Africa

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South-Kivu province Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi reported that two mass graves were identified on the outskirts of Uvira, a city near the Congolese-Burundian border. One site in Kiromoni held approximately 30 bodies, while another in Kavimvira contained 141. Purusi said the victims were suspected by M23 of ties to the Congolese army or pro-government militias.

Local civil society groups also confirmed the graves’ discovery. Yves Ramadhani, vice president of the Executive Secretariat of the Local Network for the Protection of Civilians, said his organization was blocked from accessing the sites by the Congolese military. He indicated that evidence points to M23 rebels as the perpetrators.

Violence and Displacement in Uvira

M23, a predominantly Tutsi rebel group, captured Uvira in December during a swift offensive that killed over 1,500 people and displaced roughly 300,000, according to local authorities. The group subsequently announced a withdrawal, framing it as a “unilateral trust-building measure” requested by U.S. mediators to support the peace process.

Both M23 and Congolese forces have faced repeated allegations of extrajudicial killings and human rights abuses from international observers and rights organizations. Despite the peace efforts, armed clashes continue across eastern Congo, claiming both civilian and military lives.

Regional Dimensions of the Conflict

International observers, including the United States and U.N. experts, have accused neighboring Rwanda of backing M23. Since 2021, the group has expanded from a few hundred fighters to an estimated 6,500, according to U.N. reports.

Eastern Congo is home to more than 100 armed groups vying for control of the region’s mineral wealth. The conflict has driven one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, with over 7 million people displaced, according to the U.N. Refugee Agency.

Negotiations between the Congolese government, rebels, and regional actors continue under U.S. facilitation, but intermittent fighting underscores the fragile nature of peace in the region. The discovery of mass graves may further complicate reconciliation efforts and raise urgent questions about accountability and civilian protection.

Source: AP News – 171 bodies found in mass graves in eastern Congo, an official says

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Armed conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has forced Heineken to halt operations and withdraw staff from key facilities, the company confirmed Friday.

The Dutch brewing giant says it has lost control of its sites in Goma and Bukavu, two major cities in the region now partially under the influence of the M23 rebel group. “As of June 12, 2025, we have lost operational control,” Heineken said in a public statement. “The conditions required to operate responsibly and safely are no longer present.”

A Brewing Crisis Turns Dire

The affected breweries are run by Bralima, Heineken’s Congolese subsidiary, which operates four plants across the country. Known for producing local favorites like Primus as well as Heineken beer, Bralima plays a significant economic role in the region. The Bukavu site alone supported around 1,000 jobs, both directly and indirectly.

Heineken had already suspended operations in March in Goma, Bukavu, and Uvira after its depots were looted during violent clashes between government troops and M23 fighters. Initially, the shutdown was seen as temporary. But with conditions worsening, the company has now fully pulled out of its eastern sites.

“Our top priority is the safety and wellbeing of our employees,” the statement added. Heineken says it’s still providing financial support to its displaced staff — though it hasn’t said how long that will last.

Who Are the M23 Rebels?

The March 23 Movement (M23) is a well-armed rebel group based in eastern Congo, primarily made up of ethnic Tutsi fighters. It first emerged in 2012, accusing the Congolese government of violating a previous peace deal.

After briefly capturing Goma in 2012, the group was pushed out and went quiet. But since re-emerging in 2021, M23 has swiftly gained ground in North Kivu Province, creating a major headache for both Congolese authorities and foreign businesses alike.

Key Points:

• Backed by Rwanda? Congo accuses Rwanda of supporting M23 — a charge Rwanda denies, despite multiple UN reports suggesting otherwise.
• Ethnic tensions: The group’s Tutsi identity has deepened long-standing ethnic divisions in the region.
• Control of resources: M23 holds areas rich in gold, cobalt, and coltan, all crucial to global tech and energy industries — making peace more complex.

A Strategic Market Under Threat

With more than 100 million people, Congo is one of Heineken’s largest and most promising markets in Africa. Before the conflict, its breweries in Goma, Bukavu, and Uvira accounted for roughly one-third of Heineken’s business in the country. Regionally, Congo contributes to the company’s Middle East and Africa division, which makes up nearly 14% of Heineken’s global revenue.

Now, with operations in the east shuttered, Heineken is facing a serious financial and logistical setback — although it says its breweries in other, more stable regions of Congo remain active.

For residents of eastern Congo, the closure is more than just a corporate retreat — it’s a loss of jobs and stability in an already fragile environment.

Timeline: Heineken and the Eastern Congo Conflict

March 2025 – Heineken suspends operations in Goma, Bukavu, and Uvira after rebel violence disrupts business.
April–May 2025 – M23 captures several strategic towns; violence and displacement increase.
June 12, 2025 – Heineken announces it has lost control of key eastern facilities.
June 19, 2025 – A draft peace agreement is initialed by Congo, Rwanda, and U.S. negotiators.
June 21, 2025 – Heineken confirms its complete withdrawal from the affected areas.

Peace Talks Bring Hope — But Doubts Remain

This week, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and the United States announced that their technical teams had agreed on a draft peace plan to de-escalate the conflict. A formal signing is expected in the coming days.

But experts remain cautious. Eastern Congo has seen peace agreements come and go, often undone by deep-rooted mistrust and fierce competition over the region’s vast mineral wealth.

As for Heineken and other multinationals operating in conflict zones, the future remains uncertain. What’s clear is that the stakes are high — for local communities, global supply chains, and the fragile path to peace in one of Africa’s most volatile regions.

Source: CNN – Armed rebels take control of Heineken facilities in DR Congo’s war-hit east

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Rebels Seize Bukavu as Congolese Forces Retreat

Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have taken control of Bukavu, a major city in mineral-rich eastern Congo, after Congolese forces abandoned it, the government confirmed on Sunday.

The Congo River Alliance, a coalition that includes M23, claimed its fighters entered Bukavu to restore order amid what they called security challenges under the previous administration.

“Our forces have been working to restore security for the people and their property, much to the satisfaction of the entire population,” said Lawrence Kanyuka, spokesperson for the alliance.

Government Forces Flee as M23 Expands Its Reach

The rebels encountered little resistance from government troops as they advanced into Bukavu, a city of 1.3 million people. Many Congolese soldiers were seen fleeing alongside thousands of civilians on Saturday.

Congo’s government vowed to retake the city, but as of Sunday, there were no visible efforts to counter the rebel occupation.

The M23 rebels are among over 100 armed groups fighting for control over eastern Congo’s vast mineral wealth, estimated to be worth trillions of dollars and crucial to global technology supply chains. According to United Nations experts, M23 is backed by approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops.

The ongoing conflict has led to the displacement of more than 6 million people, creating the world’s largest humanitarian crisis.

Rebels Promise to ‘Clean Up’ the City

Standing in front of the South Kivu governor’s office, M23 leader Bernard Maheshe Byamungu, who is sanctioned by the U.N. Security Council for human rights abuses, declared his forces would restore order in Bukavu.

“We are going to clean up the disorder left over from the old regime,” he said, addressing a small crowd of young men, some of whom cheered for the rebels to march to Kinshasa, Congo’s capital, nearly 1,000 miles away.

For the first time, Congo’s government publicly acknowledged the rebel occupation in a social media statement, saying it was “doing everything possible to restore order and territorial integrity.”

Local resident Blaise Byamungu described the situation as chaotic, criticizing the government’s inaction.

“The city was abandoned by all the authorities and without any loyalist force. Is the government waiting for them to take over other towns before taking action? It’s cowardice.”

Fears of a Regional Escalation

Unlike in 2012, when M23 briefly occupied Goma before withdrawing under international pressure, analysts believe the rebels now have political ambitions.

The conflict is deeply rooted in ethnic tensions. M23 claims to be defending Congo’s ethnic Tutsis, while Rwanda accuses Congo of collaborating with Hutu militias, some of whom were responsible for the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

Although Rwanda insists that Hutu militias are integrated into the Congolese military, Kinshasa denies these allegations.

A significant change in M23’s leadership has raised concerns. The group’s new face, Corneille Nangaa, is not Tutsi, which political scientist Christian Moleka believes is a strategic move to present M23 as a Congolese movement rather than a Rwanda-backed militia.

International Response and Regional Stakes

Congo’s President Félix Tshisekedi initially denied Bukavu had fallen, but later warned of a regional war if the situation escalates.

Government forces are receiving support from South African troops in Goma and Burundian forces in Bukavu. However, Burundi’s President, Évariste Ndayishimiye, hinted that his country would not retaliate against M23.

The crisis was a key topic at the African Union summit in Ethiopia over the weekend, where U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres warned of a wider regional conflict.

Despite growing tensions, African leaders and the international community remain hesitant to take strong action against M23 or Rwanda, whose military is one of the strongest in Africa. Most continue to call for a ceasefire and dialogue, but with rebels now in control of a second major city, the situation remains dire.

Source

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On Sunday, the M23 rebel group, backed by Rwandan forces, advanced to the outskirts of Goma, a crucial city in eastern Congo. The airport, a key lifeline for security and humanitarian efforts, has been rendered unusable, and at least 13 peacekeepers have lost their lives amid the violence. Thousands of residents have fled the escalating conflict, with many seeking refuge in Goma, which is now facing a severe crisis.

The M23 rebels, primarily made up of ethnic Tutsis who split from the Congolese army over a decade ago, have gained significant ground near the Rwanda-Congo border in recent weeks. Their advance has raised concerns that Goma, the provincial capital with a population of around 2 million, may fall soon. The city has long served as a regional hub for security and humanitarian aid, making its capture a significant blow to the ongoing peace efforts in the region.

Mass Panic and Displacement in Goma’s Outskirts

Bintou Keita, the United Nations special representative for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), briefed the UN Security Council on Sunday, emphasizing the severity of the situation. According to Keita, despite the presence of international peacekeepers supporting the Congolese armed forces, the M23 and Rwandan forces have infiltrated the Munigi area, just 9 kilometers (5 miles) from Goma. The violence has sparked mass panic, forcing thousands to flee their homes.

Keita reported that the rebels have effectively blocked roads and closed the airspace over Goma, halting both evacuations and essential humanitarian operations. “In other words, we are trapped,” Keita said, adding that the UN was temporarily relocating non-essential personnel out of the city.

Rwanda Accused of Backing M23 Rebels

The international community, including Congo, the United States, and UN experts, have accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels, though Rwanda denies the allegations. Rwanda has acknowledged deploying troops and missile systems in eastern Congo to protect its security, citing the growing presence of Congolese forces near the border. UN experts estimate that up to 4,000 Rwandan troops may be stationed in Congo.

The crisis has led to a severe diplomatic rift between Rwanda and Congo. On Saturday, Congo’s Foreign Ministry announced that it was severing diplomatic ties with Rwanda, expelling Rwandan diplomats. In response, Rwanda condemned the move as a unilateral decision and evacuated its remaining diplomat in Kinshasa, citing threats from Congolese officials.

Civilians Fleeing in Fear for Their Lives

As the conflict escalates, civilians are caught in the crossfire. On Sunday, heavy gunfire was heard in Goma, prompting a wave of refugees fleeing from camps near the Rwandan border. Many refugees, including children, are heading south to Goma, fearing for their safety. Others are attempting to cross into Rwanda, seeking refuge from the violence.

Safi Shangwe, a mother fleeing from the Kanyaruchinya camp, shared her fear: “We are fleeing because we saw soldiers on the border with Rwanda throwing bombs and shooting. Our children are at risk of starving.” Others, like Adèle Shimiye, expressed uncertainty about the safety of Goma itself, as rumors of bombings have spread.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens as Goma Faces Threat of Falling

The situation in Goma grows more dire with each passing day. Over 21 million people across Congo are already in need of aid, and if the fighting spills into Goma—one of the most densely populated cities in the region—the impact on civilians could be catastrophic. As the conflict intensifies, international organizations are calling for immediate action to protect innocent lives.

Earlier this week, M23 rebels seized control of Sake, a town just 27 kilometers (16 miles) from Goma, further heightening fears that the city could soon fall. Despite efforts by the Congolese army and allied forces, including UN peacekeepers and soldiers from the Southern African Development Community Mission (SAMIDRC), M23 continues to make significant territorial gains.

Casualties Among Peacekeepers and Military Forces

In the past 48 hours, two South African peacekeepers and one Uruguayan peacekeeper have been killed, and several others have been injured. South African soldiers serving in SAMIDRC have also suffered casualties, with seven troops killed in recent days. The loss of peacekeepers highlights the growing dangers faced by international forces working to maintain stability in the region.

The UN peacekeeping mission in Congo, which has been in place for over two decades, has approximately 14,000 troops deployed across the country. Despite their presence, the M23 rebel group’s continued advance into key areas, such as Goma, has raised serious concerns about the effectiveness of the current peacekeeping efforts.

The Road Ahead: Diplomatic and Military Efforts Needed

As the situation in eastern Congo deteriorates, calls for diplomatic and military solutions intensify. Rwanda’s Ambassador to the UN, Ernest Rwamucyo, emphasized that a military solution would not resolve the crisis. He urged the Congolese government to demonstrate a genuine commitment to peace, stressing the importance of returning to diplomatic and political processes.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the M23 offensive, calling for an immediate halt to hostilities and a withdrawal of rebel forces. The international community remains deeply concerned about the growing humanitarian crisis and the destabilizing impact of the conflict on the region.

As Goma and its surrounding areas brace for further violence, the world watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to a conflict that has caused immense suffering for civilians and peacekeepers alike.

Source

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