Also known as: M23 group · M23 rebel group · M23 rebels · the M23
M23 — Rwanda-backed armed group that captured Goma in January 2025 and has engaged in offensive operations in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
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The Namibian
M23 took control of Goma in January 2025
“"It's truly exceptional, we are very proud of the Leopards today for this feat," said Merou, who comes from Goma, a major city in eastern DRC that fell into M23 hands in January 2025.”
DR Congo fans dance in the rain after sealing World Cup spotNew Era
M23 has seized large swathes of territory in eastern DRC since 2021
“The Rwanda-backed M23 armed group has seized large swathes of territory in eastern DRC since 2021.”
RSF: Violence against journalists in DRC risingNew Era
M23 captured the major cities of Goma in January 2025 and Bukavu in February 2025
“The M23, known for its silencing of dissenting voices, captured the major cities of Goma in January 2025 and Bukavu in February 2025, setting up a parallel administration in those areas.”
RSF: Violence against journalists in DRC risingNew Era
M23 has detained at least eight journalists for several days
“At least eight journalists have been detained by M23 or by the military intelligence services of the regular army for several days.”
RSF: Violence against journalists in DRC risingNew Era
M23 launched a new drive for territory in eastern DR Congo in December
“The Kavimvira post on Lake Tanganyika, which is vital for the region's economy, was closed in December as the Rwanda-backed M23 launched a new drive for territory in eastern DR Congo.”
DRC-Burundi border reopens – sourcesNew Era
M23 withdrew from Uvira in South Kivu province in January
“The M23 withdrew from Uvira in South Kivu province in January, citing a demand from the United States, which has been seeking to mediate between DR Congo and Rwanda in the latest conflict to hit eastern DR Congo.”
DRC-Burundi border reopens – sourcesNew Era
M23 seized the major cities of Goma in January 2025 and Bukavu the following month
“The M23 seized the major cities of Goma in January 2025 and Bukavu the following month.”
UN mission due in DRC to help ceasefireNew Era
M23 agreed on arrangements to establish a monitoring mechanism for a permanent ceasefire
“At the meeting, the two sides agreed on the arrangements to establish a monitoring mechanism for a "permanent" ceasefire, the Qatari foreign ministry said in a statement.”
UN mission due in DRC to help ceasefireThe Namibian
M23 operates with impunity in Virunga National Park
“Over the past 20 years, more than 220 rangers have been killed in the park, where rebel groups such as M23 and other militias, as well as bandits, operate with impunity.”
Rare twins born in DRC raise hopes for endangered mountain gorillasThe Namibian
M23 launched an assault that culminated in the capture of Uvira on 10 December
“The exodus began in early December when the M23 rebel group launched an assault that culminated in the capture of Uvira, a strategic city in the eastern DRC that is home to hundreds of thousands of people.”
Tens of thousands flee DRC to Burundi amid rebel takeover of key cityThe Democratic Republic of Congo reached the World Cup for the first time since 1974 after defeating Jamaica 1-0 in an intercontinental playoff. Delirious fans celebrated in the rain across the capital Kinshasa, viewing the qualification as a rare moment of national unity amid ongoing conflict.
2 April 2026 · The Namibian →
The Democratic Republic of Congo reached the World Cup for the first time since 1974 after defeating Jamaica 1-0 in an intercontinental playoff. Delirious fans celebrated in the rain across the capital Kinshasa, viewing the qualification as a rare moment of national unity amid ongoing conflict.
2 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Reporters Without Borders reports that journalists in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have experienced increasing violence and pressure since M23's capture of Goma in January 2025, including detention, forced ideological training, and censorship of local media. The government and M23 both target journalists, and around 90 reporters fled the conflict zones between 2023 and early 2025.
27 March 2026 · New Era →
Rwanda is seeking over £100 million from Britain at an international arbitration court in The Hague, claiming unpaid amounts and costs from a 2022 migrant deportation agreement that Britain abandoned in 2024, calling it a waste of taxpayers' money. Britain disputes Rwanda's claims, arguing they are motivated by retaliation for London's suspension of aid over Rwanda's alleged support for M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
19 March 2026 · New Era →
The Kavimvira border post on Lake Tanganyika between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi reopened after more than two months of closure during a Rwanda-backed M23 armed group offensive in eastern DRC. The reopening came after the M23 withdrew from the city of Uvira in January, allowing the DR Congo army to regain control of the strategically important frontier crossing.
24 February 2026 · New Era →
Qatar announced that the UN will deploy a mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo's east to help enforce a ceasefire between the Kinshasa government and the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group. The move follows a meeting in Doha where both sides agreed to establish a monitoring mechanism, though previous ceasefire agreements signed in July and December have failed to end the conflict.
5 February 2026 · New Era →
Twin male mountain gorillas were born in Virunga National Park in the DRC in January to mother Mafuko, marking a rare event for the critically endangered subspecies. The births represent another milestone in the species' recovery from near-extinction in the 1970s, when fewer than 250 remained; populations have since climbed above 1,000, though the infants face significant early survival challenges.
22 January 2026 · The Namibian →