Rwanda-backed Rebels Disrupt Congo Peace, Forcing 200,000 to Flee

About 200,000 people have fled their homes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as Rwanda-backed rebels march on a strategic eastern town just days after Donald Trump hosted the Rwandan and Congolese leaders to proclaim peace. The UN said at least 74 people had been killed, mostly civilians, and 83 admitted to hospital with wounds from escalating clashes in the area in recent days. Local officials and residents said M23 rebels had been advancing towards the lakeside town of Uvira on the border with Burundi and fighting Congolese troops and local groups known as Wazalendo in villages to the north. The clashes have been ongoing since December 6, with reports of intense fighting and artillery exchanges. "This is a very worrying situation," said a UN spokesperson, who wished to remain anonymous. "The humanitarian impact is already significant, and we fear it could get much worse if the fighting continues." The spokesperson noted that the UN has been working to provide aid to affected communities, but the situation remains dire. The recent violence marks a significant setback for the peace deal signed in Washington on December 4, which aimed to bring an end to the conflict in the region. The deal was brokered by the US and Qatar, and was signed by the presidents of Rwanda and the DRC in a ceremony hosted by Trump. However, the agreement has yet to be implemented on the ground, and the M23 rebels have continued to advance on key towns. The M23 rebels have been backed by Rwanda, which has been accused of providing military support to the group. The DRC has long accused Rwanda of meddling in its internal affairs, and the latest violence has further strained relations between the two countries. The situation in the DRC is complex and has been ongoing for years. The M23 rebels were formed in 2012 and have been fighting for greater autonomy in the eastern region of the country. The conflict has resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people and has had a significant impact on the local economy. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community is calling for calm and restraint. The UN has urged all parties to respect the peace deal and to work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The US and Qatar have also issued statements calling for an end to the violence and for the implementation of the peace agreement. The current status of the situation is uncertain, with reports of ongoing fighting and displacement. The humanitarian impact is significant, and the international community is working to provide aid to affected communities. The next developments will likely depend on the actions of the M23 rebels and the DRC government, as well as the implementation of the peace deal.