Key Takeaways
- The International Contact Group for the Great Lakes (ICG) has expressed concern over the renewed violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the new offensive of the March 23 Movement (M23) supported by Rwanda.
- The ICG has called on the M23 and the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) to immediately halt offensive operations in eastern DRC and withdraw from the region.
- The ICG has urged all parties to protect civilians, adhere to UNSC resolution 2773, and uphold their commitments under the Declaration of Principles and the Washington Accords.
- The ICG has also called on all parties to deescalate the situation, avoid provocative speech and actions, and recommit to the ceasefire to ensure humanitarian access to those in need.
Introduction to the Conflict
The Governments of the United States of America, Belgium, Denmark, the European Union, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, as members of the International Contact Group for the Great Lakes (ICG), have issued a statement expressing their profound concern regarding the renewed outbreak of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The ICG, chaired by Germany, is particularly concerned about the new offensive of the March 23 Movement (M23), supported by Rwanda, around Uvira (South Kivu) close to Burundi, which risks destabilizing the whole region. This escalation of violence has significant implications for the stability of the region and poses a major threat to civilian populations.
The Escalation of Violence
The ICG has expressed particular concern at the increased use of both attack and suicide drones in the conflict, which represents a significant escalation in the fighting and poses an acute risk to civilian populations. The use of drones in the conflict has raised concerns about the potential for increased harm to civilians and the need for all parties to take steps to protect them. The ICG has urged the M23 and the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) to immediately halt offensive operations in eastern DRC, in particular in South Kivu, and calls on the RDF to withdraw from eastern DRC in line with UNSC resolution 2773. The ICG has also called on the M23 to uphold its commitments under the Declaration of Principles that was signed in Doha on 19 July 2025.
Call to Action
The ICG has called on all parties to honour their obligations to protect civilians, adhere to all aspects of UNSC resolution 2773, including full respect of territorial integrity, and to uphold their commitments under the Washington Accords of 4 December 2025. The ICG has also urged all parties to immediately deescalate the situation and avoid escalatory or provocative speech and actions that gravely endanger civilian populations and risk irreparably undermining the significant progress achieved with the Framework Agreement signed in Doha on 15 November 2025 by the Government of the DRC and M23. Furthermore, the ICG has called on all actors involved to urgently and unequivocally recommit to the ceasefire and to ensure full, safe and unimpeded, humanitarian access so that critical assistance can reach those in need.
The Importance of Humanitarian Access
The ICG has emphasized the importance of ensuring full, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to those in need. The conflict in the eastern DRC has resulted in significant humanitarian needs, with many people displaced and in need of assistance. The ICG has called on all parties to ensure that humanitarian access is not restricted and that aid can reach those who need it most. This is critical to preventing further suffering and ensuring that the humanitarian response can be effective. The ICG has also urged all parties to respect the principles of humanitarian law and to take all necessary steps to protect civilians and prevent harm to them.
Conclusion and Recommendations
In conclusion, the ICG has expressed its deep concern about the renewed violence in the eastern DRC and the new offensive of the M23 supported by Rwanda. The ICG has called on all parties to take immediate action to deescalate the situation, protect civilians, and ensure humanitarian access to those in need. The ICG has also urged all parties to uphold their commitments under relevant agreements and to respect the principles of humanitarian law. It is essential that all parties take these recommendations seriously and work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The international community must also continue to support efforts to promote peace and stability in the region and to address the root causes of the conflict. By working together, it is possible to bring an end to the violence and ensure a brighter future for the people of the DRC.