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 captured the strategic city of Uvira near the Burundi border
“The M23 group captured the strategic city near the border with Burundi, days after a "historic" US-brokered peace deal between Congolese and Rwandan governments aimed at ending the long-running conflict in eastern DRC.”
Rebels start to withdraw from key DRC city, leaders sayThe Namibian
M23 say they have begun withdrawing from Uvira, promising to complete the pullout on Thursday
“The rebel group which last week seized the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) city of Uvira say they have begun withdrawing, promising to complete the pullout on Thursday, following pressure from the United States (US).”
Rebels start to withdraw from key DRC city, leaders sayThe Namibian
M23 claims to have fully liberated the key city of Uvira
“But the M23 rebel group says it has "fully liberated" the key city of Uvira in an offensive the US and European powers say is backed by Rwanda.”
Trump's ‘historic' peace deal for DRC shattered after rebels seize key cityThe Namibian
M23 said it had liberated Uvira city
“The M23 rebel group said it had "liberated" the city, while UN-backed Radio Okapi quoted residents as saying that rebel fighters were on major streets.”
Rebels reportedly enter key DR Congo city despite Trump peace dealThe Namibian
M23 seized control of large parts of the mineral-rich east, including Goma, Bukavu and two airports
“Decades of conflict had escalated earlier this year when the M23 seized control of large parts of the mineral-rich east, including Goma, the city of Bukavu and two airports.”
Former Congolese president sentenced to death for war crimesThe Namibian
M23 has been accused of being backed by Kigali in conflict in neighbouring DR Congo
“Kigali has been accused of backing the M23 rebel group embroiled in the conflict in neighbouring DR Congo – an accusation it has denied.”
First deportees arrive in Rwanda from the USThe Namibian
M23 has walked away from peace talks with the government
“The main rebel group in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the M23, has walked away from peace talks with the government, saying it will not return unless the authorities adhere to a previous ceasefire deal.”
M23 rebels suspend peace talks with DR Congo governmentThe Namibian
M23 fought in combat with 13 South African soldiers
“following the death of 13 SA soldiers in combat with M23.”
SADC to hold extraordinary summit on Congo crisis amid tensions between Rwanda and SAThe 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 →