Joseph Isangura
More than 200,000 people have fled their homes in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo as clashes intensify between government forces and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel movement, according to a statement issued by the United Nations late Monday.
The sudden surge in displacement has triggered a growing humanitarian crisis, with thousands seeking shelter in already strained safe zones.
UN officials reported that at least 74 civilians have been killed over recent days, while more than 80 others have been hospitalized with severe injuries. The violence continues to spread across several villages north of Uvira, a strategic town located along the shores of Lake Tanganyika near the Burundi border.
Local authorities say M23 fighters have advanced toward Uvira, engaging in heavy battles with Congolese forces and local community defence groups known as Wazalendo. Residents who managed to escape describe harrowing scenes—families running through the night, villages emptied in minutes, and long routes filled with people carrying whatever belongings they could manage.
The escalation of fighting comes barely days after a high-profile peace ceremony held in Washington, where the presidents of Rwanda and the DRC signed a new commitment aimed at ending hostilities. Despite the optimism that followed the agreement, the renewed clashes have cast doubt on whether the peace framework can withstand the realities on the ground.
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Humanitarian groups warn that the speed and scale of new displacement are overwhelming emergency response efforts. Many of those arriving at temporary camps are women and children showing signs of trauma, hunger and exhaustion. Aid workers say more support is urgently needed, especially medical supplies, safe water and shelter.
Analysts caution that if the conflict continues to escalate, it may destabilize the wider Great Lakes region. Rights organizations have also raised concerns about reports of shelling near populated areas, calling such actions a violation of international humanitarian law.
The UN has called for an immediate ceasefire, protection of civilians, and unrestricted access for humanitarian agencies. Whether the recently signed peace deal will survive now depends on both parties demonstrating restraint and returning to dialogue, but the worsening humanitarian situation suggests the path to stability remains uncertain.
