Rwanda Under Pressure Following Death Toll from Congo’s Rebel Uprising

In 2025, over 7,000 individuals were reportedly killed in eastern Congo due to M23 rebels backed by Rwanda. The conflict has intensified with recent territorial gains by M23, prompting the EU to reconsider its agreements with Rwanda about critical raw materials. The situation poses a significant threat to regional stability and humanitarian safety.

In a distressing report, Prime Minister Judith Suminwa of the Democratic Republic of Congo has indicated that over 7,000 individuals have lost their lives this year due to the aggressive actions of Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. This surge in violence comes as the rebels have gained unprecedented territory in the mineral-rich eastern region of Congo. The European Union has announced its intent to review existing agreements with Rwanda regarding vital raw materials amidst these developments.

During her remarks at the U.N. Human Rights Council, Suminwa emphasized the dire security and humanitarian conditions in her country, labeling them as alarming. The conflict has escalated sharply, with M23’s recent capture of major cities including Goma and Bukavu. This escalation underscores M23’s significant role among numerous armed factions competing for control in eastern Congo, an area rich in minerals essential for global technology needs.

The situation has prompted the European Union to adopt a firmer stance on Rwanda’s involvement. Kaja Kallas, the EU’s chief diplomat, reaffirmed the non-negotiable nature of Congo’s territorial integrity and indicated that defense consultations with Rwanda are on hold. Furthermore, the EU will reassess its memorandum of understanding concerning critical raw materials, signed with Rwanda the previous year amidst concerns regarding resource exploitation.

Congo’s government has accused Rwanda of resource theft, intensifying scrutiny following the U.S. call for an immediate halt to mineral sourcing from M23-controlled areas. Rwanda has yet to respond to these allegations, which could adversely affect its economy. The conflict represents a broader regional threat, as it has displaced millions over decades of unrest.

M23 rebels aim to unseat President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration, pursuing further territorial gains despite ongoing calls for a ceasefire. Bolstered by approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops, M23 threatens additional cities, such as Uriva, where recent gunfire has been reported. The rebels claim to protect ethnic Tutsis and Congolese of Rwandan descent, while analysts suggest these motivations mask Rwanda’s true strategic interests.

Witnesses report that M23’s intelligence operatives are searching for former Congolese military personnel and criminals, though errors in identification have reportedly led to tragic outcomes. In one such incident, eleven young individuals were killed while waiting for a weightlifting session, wrongfully perceived as thieves.

The ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, fueled by the M23 rebels and their affiliations with Rwanda, has resulted in over 7,000 fatalities this year. The escalating violence has drawn serious international concern and prompted the EU to reassess its agreements with Rwanda. The situation remains precarious, with significant implications for regional stability and humanitarian conditions.

Original Source: apnews.com