International Contact Group Urges Ceasefire Amid Escalation in South Kivu

Uvira: The International Contact Group (ICG) has expressed profound concern regarding the renewed outbreak of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This escalation, marked by a new offensive from the March 23 Movement (M23) supported by Rwanda, is occurring around Uvira in South Kivu near the Burundi border, posing a risk of destabilizing the entire region. According to EMM, the ICG is particularly concerned about the increased use of both attack and suicide drones in the conflict. This development represents a significant escalation in the fighting and poses an acute risk to civilian populations. The ICG is urging the M23 and the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) to immediately halt offensive operations in eastern DRC, especially in South Kivu. The group calls on the RDF to withdraw from eastern DRC in alignment with United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution 2773 and on the M23 to uphold its commitments under the Declaration of Principles signed in Doha on 19 July 2025. The ICG i s calling on all parties involved to honor their obligations to protect civilians and adhere to all aspects of UNSC resolution 2773, including the full respect of territorial integrity. The group emphasizes the importance of upholding commitments under the Washington Accords of 4 December 2025 and immediately deescalating the situation. Furthermore, the ICG urges all parties to avoid any escalatory or provocative speech and actions that gravely endanger civilian populations and risk undermining the progress achieved with the Framework Agreement signed in Doha on 15 November 2025 by the Government of the DRC and M23. The ICG is also calling 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.