• M23 rebels claim control of Uvira, a key city in eastern DR Congo.
• Over 200,000 residents have fled their homes due to ongoing violence.
• US-brokered peace deal between DR Congo and Rwanda undermined by rebel advances.

The M23 rebel group has declared control of the strategic city of Uvira in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to its spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka. This announcement follows a rapid offensive that began earlier this month, despite a recent US-mediated peace accord signed by Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame. The conflict has resulted in chaotic conditions as Congolese army troops reportedly fled the city amidst gunfire, according to Africanews and Reuters.

With tensions escalating, over 200,000 residents have been displaced across South Kivu region since December 2, according to local United Nations reports. At least 74 people have been killed, primarily civilians, amid ongoing hostilities as the rebels advance from the north towards Uvira. The fighting has led to significant concern among humanitarian organizations about the potential for further violence, as stated by multiple sources including BBC and Africanews.

Despite denials of backing for the M23 from Rwanda, evidence of their support remains amid accusations from both the United States and the United Nations. This situation undermines the recently brokered peace deal, with Tshisekedi claiming these actions represent "deliberate violations" of the accord. Tensions continue to simmer as concerns grow over the stability of the region amidst the fighting, as reported by Reuters and BBC.