M23 Rebels and DRC Forces Clash Near Uvira as Fighting Spreads to Masisi

Updated 2026-01-03 15:37:00+00:00 (8 articles)

Early Morning Clashes Around Uvira Trigger Widespread Gunfire On January 3, 2026, fighting erupted around 0300 GMT in multiple localities surrounding Uvira, including Kashombe, Lubanda, Musingwe, Katongo and Kigongo [1]. Residents reported continuous gunfire and explosions that reverberated throughout the city [1]. The combatants were identified as M23 rebels, pro‑Kinshasa militias and units of the Congolese national army [1]. The intensity of the clashes signaled a sharp escalation after weeks of relative calm [1].

M23’s Recent Territorial Gains Include Uvira Capture The rebel group had seized the major eastern cities of Goma and Bukavu late in 2025 before launching a December offensive in South Kivu [1]. Uvira fell under M23 control on December 10, 2025, extending the group’s foothold to the Burundi border [1]. Under U.S. diplomatic pressure, M23 announced a withdrawal from Uvira on December 17, 2025, and appealed to mediators for protection of civilians [1]. This withdrawal was short‑lived, as the group re‑engaged in combat on January 3 [1].

Violence Extends Into Masisi, Causing Civilian Casualties Simultaneous clashes erupted in Masisi territory, North Kivu, where a bombing attributed to the Congolese army resulted in numerous injuries [1]. Doctors Without Borders reported that 42 people, many women and children, were admitted to Masisi General Hospital with shrapnel wounds, and two fatalities were recorded [1]. The incident highlighted the spillover of hostilities from South Kivu into neighboring provinces [1]. Local authorities struggled to provide adequate medical assistance amid the surge of casualties [1].

Diplomatic Efforts Coincide With Escalating Conflict While the fighting intensified, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda were reportedly signing a peace accord in Washington, brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump [1]. The negotiations aimed to curb rebel activity but proceeded as ground combat continued unabated [1]. International observers expressed concern that the cease‑fire framework might be undermined by the ongoing clashes [1]. The juxtaposition of diplomatic talks and active warfare underscored the fragility of the regional security situation [1].

Sources

1.
The Hindu: Clashes erupt between DRC forces and M23 near Uvira as fighting continues: The report details the Jan 3 2026 gun battles around Uvira, M23’s recent capture and withdrawal from the city, the spillover of violence into Masisi with civilian casualties, and the concurrent U.S.-brokered peace talks between the DRC and Rwanda.
2026-01-03 15:37:00+00:00

Timeline

June 27, 2025 – The United States brokers a Washington peace agreement between Presidents Kagame (Rwanda) and Tshisekedi (DR Congo) to end eastern Congo hostilities; the deal excludes the M23 rebels, who continue fighting independently [3].

December 2, 2025 – M23 launches a rapid offensive in South Kivu, displacing over 200,000 people and reigniting decades‑long violence in the mineral‑rich eastern region [4][6].

December 4, 2025 – President Kagame signs the Washington peace accord with President Tshisekedi, hosted by former U.S. President Trump, aiming to unlock investment in cobalt, copper, lithium and other minerals while M23 pursues a separate Qatar‑led process [2][3].

December 10, 2025 – M23 rebels capture the strategic Lake Tanganyika port city of Uvira, extending their foothold from Goma and Bukavu to the Burundi border and raising fears of a wider regional spillover [4][7].

December 11, 2025 – M23 declares control of Uvira; Congo Communications Minister Patrick Muyaya reports more than 100 deaths in the assault, the UN estimates the rebel force at about 6,500 fighters, and Rwanda denies direct backing despite evidence of Rwandan special forces in the city [4][6].

December 11, 2025 – Regional officials record over 413 civilian deaths since early December, many of them women and children, and note the involvement of foreign mercenaries alongside Rwandan troops, underscoring the deepening humanitarian crisis [6].

December 12, 2025 – U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz urges the Security Council to hold Rwanda accountable as a “spoiler” to peace, citing alleged military and logistical support to M23 since 2021; Burundi’s UN envoy Zephyrin Maniratanga warns that continued attacks could trigger direct Burundi‑Rwanda conflict [3].

December 16, 2025 – M23 spokesperson Corneille Nangaa says the rebels will withdraw from Uvira at the United States’ request and calls for a neutral monitoring force; U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio declares the Uvira capture a violation of the Washington deal and pledges to enforce promises made to President Trump [2].

December 17, 2025 – M23 announces a withdrawal from Uvira under U.S. pressure, asking mediators to guarantee the city’s protection and to oversee a “remilitarisation” that would keep rebels at a safe distance from civilians [7][5].

December 18, 2025 – M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa states that the pull‑out from Uvira is underway, and spokesman Willy Ngoma frames the move as a step toward peace and stability [1].

December 19, 2025 – The UN Security Council adopts Resolution 2475, extending the MONUSCO peacekeeping mandate for one year (about 11,500 troops) and demanding that Rwanda cease support for M23 and withdraw its forces from eastern Congo [8].

December 20, 2025 – U.S. Deputy Ambassador Jennifer Locetta tells the Council that M23 must move at least 75 km away from Uvira to protect civilians; the Council also reiterates calls for Rwanda’s withdrawal and notes that more than 7 million people are displaced by the conflict [5][8].

January 3, 2026 – Clashes erupt around Uvira as M23 fights pro‑Kinshasa militias and the Congolese army; simultaneous attacks in Masisi, North Kivu, cause dozens of casualties, including 42 injuries from an air strike, highlighting the spillover of violence despite ongoing diplomatic talks [7].