The International Contact Group for the Great Lakes (ICG) has sounded the alarm over a sharp escalation in fighting in South Kivu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), calling for an immediate halt to offensive operations by the March 23 Movement (M23) and the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF).
In a joint statement issued by the United States, Belgium, Denmark, the European Union, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, the ICG said it was “profoundly concerned” by the renewed outbreak of violence around Uvira, near the Burundi border—a development it warned could destabilize the entire Great Lakes region.
The Contact Group expressed particular alarm over the increased use of both attack drones and suicide drones in the conflict, describing it as a dangerous escalation that poses an acute risk to civilians already caught in heavy fighting and displacement.
The ICG urged the RDF and M23 to immediately cease all offensive operations and for Rwanda’s forces to withdraw from eastern DRC in compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 2773. It also pressed M23 to honour commitments under the Declaration of Principles signed in Doha on 19 July 2025.
The statement further called on all parties to respect the protection of civilians, uphold the territorial integrity provisions of UNSC Resolution 2773, and adhere to the Washington Accords of 4 December 2025. It warned against provocative rhetoric or actions that could endanger civilians or undermine the progress made under the Framework Agreement signed between the DRC government and M23 in Doha on 15 November 2025.
The ICG demanded immediate de-escalation and a renewed commitment to the ceasefire, along with guaranteeing full, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access so relief agencies can reach populations in urgent need.
The warning comes amid heightened regional tensions, growing humanitarian pressure, and concerns that the conflict could spill over into neighbouring Burundi and further strain relations across the Great Lakes region.
