Rebels Reportedly Enter Key DR Congo City Despite Trump-Brokered Peace Agreement

Rebel forces have reportedly advanced into Uvira, the last major city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo still under government control, in a sudden escalation that has triggered a mass flight of civilians into neighboring Burundi. Residents described intense gunfire, explosions and widespread panic as the M23 rebel group pushed into the city, ignoring the peace commitments announced just days earlier.

People living in Uvira said heavy artillery battles erupted overnight, with streets quickly emptying as families sought shelter or attempted dangerous crossings toward the Burundian border. Witnesses described the atmosphere as chaotic, with many residents uncertain about which areas were safe as fighting shifted from one neighborhood to another. Local humanitarian workers said thousands have already crossed into Burundi, adding to an already severe regional displacement crisis.

The surge in violence comes less than a week after former U.S. President Donald Trump announced a peace deal negotiated between Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame. The agreement was intended to halt the long running conflict in eastern Congo and reduce tensions between the two neighboring countries. For years, Kinshasa has accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel movement, a claim Rwanda denies despite repeated findings by UN investigators linking the group to Rwandan military assistance.

The renewed clashes suggest the deal may already be unraveling. While details of the agreement were not fully disclosed, it was framed as an urgent step toward stabilizing a region that has endured decades of armed conflict driven by ethnic rivalries, political grievances and competition over mineral rich territories. Trump had presented the accord as a breakthrough, urging both sides to act swiftly to implement its terms.

M23 issued a statement saying it had “liberated” Uvira, claiming its forces were welcomed by some local residents. UN backed Radio Okapi, citing witness accounts, reported that rebel fighters were seen moving along major streets and establishing control over key intersections. Government forces have not yet issued a detailed response, though local officials acknowledged that the rebel advance had overwhelmed several defensive positions.

For civilians, the immediate concern is safety. Aid agencies said the rapid movement of people has strained border facilities and local resources in Burundi, where thousands arrived with few belongings after days of tension. Many described leaving their homes abruptly as the sound of shelling grew louder. Shelter, food and medical assistance are now urgent needs, according to humanitarian groups monitoring the situation.

Analysts say the renewed fighting raises serious questions about whether the peace deal was backed by enforceable guarantees or whether regional factions remain prepared to negotiate in good faith. Some observers have warned that without deeper political engagement and accountability mechanisms, agreements in the region often struggle to hold.

For now, residents of Uvira face an uncertain future as rebels consolidate positions and government forces regroup. The international community is watching closely, with concerns that continued fighting could jeopardize broader efforts to stabilize eastern Congo and bring lasting peace to a region long trapped in cycles of violence.