UN Security Council Urges Rwanda to Withdraw from Eastern Congo, Extends MONUSCO

UN Renews Congo Peacekeeping Mission Amid M23 Offensive and Humanitarian Crisis

The United Nations Security Council has urged Rwanda to withdraw its forces from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and unanimously voted to extend the UN peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO, for another year , as violence escalates despite recent diplomatic efforts. The decision reflects mounting international concern over renewed fighting in the mineral-rich region.

Security Council Resolution and Rwanda–M23 Issue

Adopted on December 19, 2025 , the resolution strongly condemned the latest offensive by the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group , particularly in South Kivu , where over 400 civilians were reportedly killed . The Council demanded that Rwanda immediately halt all support to M23 and withdraw its troops from Congolese territory. MONUSCO’s mandate was renewed, maintaining around 11,500 peacekeeping personnel tasked with civilian protection and stabilisation efforts.

Uvira Crisis and US Position

The resolution followed M23’s capture of Uvira , a strategic eastern Congolese city. Although M23 later claimed to have withdrawn under US pressure, the Congolese government described the move as “staged.” The US Deputy Ambassador Jennifer Locetta told the Council that M23 must pull back at least 75 km from Uvira to comply with regional peace commitments.

Peace Deal and Continuing Violence

Earlier this month, the presidents of Congo and Rwanda signed a US-mediated peace agreement in Washington . While the accord obliges Rwanda to stop backing armed groups, it does not directly bind M23, which is negotiating separately. UN experts estimate M23’s strength has grown from a few hundred fighters in 2021 to around 6,500 combatants .

Humanitarian and Peacekeeping Context

Eastern Congo hosts over 100 armed groups , fuelling one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with more than 7 million people displaced . MONUSCO, deployed since 2010 , has faced criticism from Congolese civilians for failing to prevent rebel attacks. In 2023 , the UN agreed to a phased drawdown of the mission at Congo’s request, though instability has slowed this process.

What to Note for Exams?

• MONUSCO is the UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC, deployed since 2010.

• M23 is accused by the UN, US, and Congo of being backed by Rwanda.

• Eastern Congo has over 7 million internally displaced persons.

• The UN Security Council renewed MONUSCO’s mandate for one year in 2025.