M23 Rebels Seize Key City in Eastern DRC, Forcing Thousands to Flee

M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, have entered the strategic city of Uvira in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), forcing thousands of civilians to flee across the border into Burundi, according to AFP reports. The rebels' advance marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, despite recent international efforts to broker peace. The United States and European powers have called for an immediate halt to the offensive and urged Rwanda to withdraw its troops from the region. Military sources report that Congolese soldiers are among the civilians fleeing, as Burundi has deployed troops to support the DRC against the Rwandan-backed militia. The violence undermines a recent agreement brokered by former US President Donald Trump, which aimed to end the conflict. Over 8,000 refugees have crossed into Burundi in the past two days, with a total of 30,000 arrivals in one week, overwhelming local resources. The situation has raised profound concerns among international observers, with fears of further destabilization in the region.