US Flags M23 Rebel Control of Key Areas in Eastern DR Congo

The United States has drawn attention to the presence of M23 rebels in parts of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, urging President Félix Tshisekedi to address the growing security threat.

The concerns were expressed in a joint statement by US Senators Jim Risch of Idaho and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, issued hours after the Congo River Alliance – a political-military group that includes M23 fighters – claimed responsibility for last week’s attack on Kisangani Bangoka International Airport.

The statement followed talks with President Tshisekedi on Wednesday at the US Capitol, which focused on the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity and the future of US-DR Congo relations.

The senators called for the immediate withdrawal of Rwandan forces from the region, saying it was essential for achieving lasting peace.

They reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to a stronger partnership with the DRC and stressed the need to hold accountable those who have violated previous agreements to prevent further instability.

The lawmakers also expressed deep concern over the humanitarian crisis in eastern Congo, describing the situation of more than 26 million people facing acute food insecurity as “intolerable.”

They said women, children, and minority communities must no longer be treated as collateral damage.

Discussions also covered cooperation on critical minerals and continued investment in the Lobito Corridor, aimed at boosting regional trade, economic growth, and long-term US-Africa cooperation.

The M23 rebel group has been at the center of the conflict in eastern DR Congo and is accused by the United Nations and Western governments of receiving support from neighboring Rwanda – claims Kigali denies.

The group currently controls significant territory, including the provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu, seized in early 2025.

In December 2025, President Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame signed a US-brokered peace agreement intended to end hostilities in the region.