UN warns of ‘alarming situation’ as Rwanda-backed M23 rebels expand offensive in eastern DRC

The United Nations has raised alarm over the growing control of Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with fears that the group could seize additional provinces.
Bintou Keita, the head of the UN peacekeeping mission in Congo (MONUSCO), briefed the UN Security Council on Thursday (27 March), revealing that M23 rebels now control significant parts of North and South Kivu and are threatening to expand into the neighboring provinces of Tshopo and Maniema. The M23’s territorial gains, which include the installation of a parallel administration in South Kivu, have raised concerns about further instability. Keita highlighted the dire human rights situation, including mass displacement, summary executions, forced recruitment of children, and rampant sexual violence, particularly against women and children. More than 7 million people have been displaced by the violence, exacerbating one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
Despite the recent Qatar-brokered ceasefire deal agreed to by Congolese and Rwandan leaders, violence has continued unabated, with M23 forces reportedly receiving support from Rwanda, though Kigali denies the presence of its troops on DRC soil. This has led Keita to also called on African Union to appoint its own mediator to try to facilitate a ceasefire. Meanwhile, humanitarian aid efforts are severely hampered by ongoing conflict, with the 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan only 8.2% funded. The international community faces significant challenges in containing the violence and providing relief to affected civilians. M23 is one of about 100 armed groups that have been vying for a foothold in mineral-rich eastern DRC near the border with Rwanda.