M23 rebels: UN sees progress in talks but warns violence persists

The United Nations has welcomed signs of progress in talks aimed at reducing violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Qatar is facilitating discussions between the Congolese government and the M23 armed group, which controls large areas of North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. The latest developments follow months of intense fighting that has displaced civilians and destabilised the region. However, the UN warns that despite diplomatic momentum, the security situation on the ground remains volatile. M23, also known as the March 23 Movement, controls large areas of North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. In January 2025, after a rapid offensive, the group seized Goma, the capital of North Kivu. Weeks later, it captured Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu. Since then, the rebels have set up parallel administrations in areas under their control. The UN says the group is supported by the Rwandan armed forces, an allegation Kigali has repeatedly denied. On 2 February, the Congolese authorities and M23 signed a document setting out the terms of reference for a ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism under the Doha Framework Agreement, signed in November 2025. Separate discussions have also taken place between the DRC and Rwanda, with mediation by the United States. In December, Presidents Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC and Paul Kagame of Rwanda signed the Washington Agreements, raising hopes of an end to the fighting. However, the UN says the security situation at the start of this year remains volatile and continues to deteriorate. Against this backdrop, the UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC, known as MONUSCO, has renewed its call for an immediate cessation of hostilities. MONUSCO spokesperson Ndeye Khady Lo described the progress in Doha as 'a positive signal' and said an initial team of UN peacekeepers would be deployed to the town of Uvira, in South Kivu, to support the monitoring mechanism.