UN Report Highlights Continued Rwandan Military Presence Supporting AFC/M23 Operations

Kinshasa, July 1, 2026 - The security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo remains highly volatile as a United Nations assessment points to the continued presence and operational support of Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF) alongside the AFC/M23 armed movement. The report indicates that the AFC/M23 rebellion, which maintains control over significant areas of North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, continues to benefit from military assistance that has contributed to strengthening its positions and expanding its operational capabilities across the conflict zone. According to the assessment, thousands of RDF troops remain deployed in eastern DRC, with estimates placing their presence between 8,000 and 10,000 personnel in South Kivu and between 6,000 and 8,000 in North Kivu since late 2025. The report notes that no major withdrawal has been observed, with subsequent movements mainly involving troop rotations and reinforcements. The document further highlights the use of advanced military capabilities, including drones, electronic warfare systems, specialized units, and other sophisticated equipment. UN experts also report that RDF elements have provided operational support to AFC/M23 forces, including assistance in offensive operations and the creation of strategic corridors. The assessment raises concerns over RDF activities in areas where no presence of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) had been reported, including parts of Uvira territory. This development has intensified debate over Kigali’s justification that its military actions are primarily aimed at addressing security threats linked to armed groups hostile to Rwanda. The report also describes close coordination between RDF personnel and AFC/M23 fighters, including the integration of some Rwandan units into mixed formations. It further alleges that some RDF elements adopted M23 uniforms and conducted movements mainly at night to reduce the risk of identification. The findings come amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the conflict in eastern DRC. Despite the signing of agreements and mediation initiatives, including the Washington framework and the Doha peace process, tensions between Kinshasa and Kigali remain unresolved. Negotiations between the Congolese government and the Congo River Alliance, which includes AFC/M23, have struggled to achieve significant progress, with disagreements persisting over key security and political issues. The lack of concrete advances has added to concerns as fighting continues and the humanitarian situation deteriorates across affected provinces.