The M23 rebellion, backed by Rwanda (RDF), resumed large-scale offensives in eastern DRC in late 2021. By early 2025, M23 forces had captured Goma, capital of North Kivu, and advanced toward Bukavu in South Kivu, triggering a massive humanitarian catastrophe. The FARDC (Congolese army), reinforced by SADC mission troops and Burundian forces, has been unable to halt M23 advances. Rwanda denies direct involvement despite overwhelming UN evidence. Regional peace processes under the Nairobi and Luanda frameworks have repeatedly stalled.
M23 forces, backed by Rwandan troops, seized Goma — the largest city in eastern DRC and capital of North Kivu — triggering mass civilian flight and the collapse of FARDC frontline defenses in the region.
M23 rebels advanced south and captured Bukavu, capital of South Kivu, extending their territorial control across both eastern provinces and deepening the humanitarian crisis.
Angola-mediated negotiations in Luanda broke down after M23 and Rwanda rejected DRC preconditions for withdrawal. Both sides accused each other of violations, while fighting continued near Minova and Kalehe.
The UN Security Council convened an emergency session following new reports of mass atrocities in Goma. A resolution demanding Rwandan troop withdrawal was vetoed, deepening diplomatic gridlock over the crisis.
South Africa announced the withdrawal of SAMIDRC peacekeeping forces from eastern DRC following the deaths of South African soldiers near Goma, significantly weakening military support for the Congolese government.