Uganda Steps In to Broker Peace as M23 Rebels Capture Key DRC City

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has expressed his willingness to mediate peace talks between the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel group, as tensions in the eastern DRC continue to escalate. The violence, which has seen M23 rebels capture the strategic city of Goma and key installations, is now at the forefront of regional security concerns.

John Mulimba, Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs responsible for regional cooperation, told lawmakers on Wednesday that President Museveni is ready to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the conflict. He emphasized that Uganda remains committed to supporting regional peace initiatives aimed at halting the violence between the two sides.

“President Museveni and the government of Uganda remain available to participate in regional peace efforts to ensure the cessation of hostilities as soon as possible,” Mulimba stated.

The ongoing conflict, which has brought severe instability to the Great Lakes region, is now centered in North Kivu, with M23 forces continuing to clash with the Congolese army. Mulimba stressed that the crisis cannot be resolved through military force alone and urged the need for dialogue.

As the situation deteriorates, the African Union condemned the violence on Tuesday, calling for the M23 rebels to cease their attacks and lay down their arms. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also voiced grave concern, urging immediate action to end the hostilities and calling for the withdrawal of M23 forces from occupied territories.

According to the United Nations, more than 400,000 people have been displaced since the start of 2025 due to the conflict in eastern DRC. The unfolding humanitarian crisis is worsening, with tens of thousands of civilians caught in the crossfire.

Uganda is closely monitoring the situation and remains focused on fostering bilateral relations with the DRC government, hoping to contribute to long-term peace and stability in the region.