DRC Accuses Rwanda-Backed M23 of Killing 1,500 Civilians; Peace Deal Unravels

• DRC claims Rwanda-backed M23 militia killed over 1,500 civilians since December, calling it an act of aggression and international law violation.
• M23 rebels seized Uvira last month, despite a US-brokered peace deal between DRC and Rwanda, which obliges Rwanda to halt support for armed groups.
• Congo, US, and UN experts accuse Rwanda of backing M23, which has expanded to an estimated 6,500 fighters.
• Rwanda denies M23 support but admits deploying troops in eastern Congo for national security; UN estimates 4,000 Rwandan soldiers present.
• The conflict in mineral-rich eastern Congo has displaced over 7 million, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis; UN Security Council condemned Rwanda's actions.

Why It Matters: DRC accuses Rwanda-backed M23 of mass killings, escalating conflict despite peace efforts.