UK Demands Rwanda Withdraw Forces from DRC After M23 Rebels Seize Walikale

The United Kingdom has issued a stern condemnation of the recent capture of Walikale in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) by the M23 rebel group and Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF), in open defiance of a United Nations Security Council resolution demanding a ceasefire and withdrawal of foreign forces.

Speaking at the Security Council in New York on Thursday night, the UK government expressed deep regret that “despite the clear and urgent message that this Council sent last month, with the unanimous adoption of Resolution 2773, M23 and the Rwandan Defence Forces have continued their territorial advance.”

The resolution, adopted in February 2025, called for an immediate, unconditional withdrawal of all foreign troops from Congolese territory and banned any support to armed groups operating in the region.

It also introduced new sanctions against individuals and entities providing direct military or financial assistance to militias like M23.

The capture of Walikale, a strategic town in North Kivu, represents one of M23’s most significant advances in recent months. It comes despite earlier assurances by the rebel group that it would reposition its forces and vacate the town center as a gesture of goodwill under a regional ceasefire arrangement.

However, M23 later reneged on the commitment, claiming that Congolese government forces had violated the ceasefire first. The group used the alleged violations to justify its continued offensive—an explanation the UK and other members of the international community have rejected outright.

“We strongly condemn the capture of Walikale,” said the UK. “We reiterate that the Rwandan Defence Forces must withdraw from sovereign Congolese territory, and all regional actors must cease support for armed groups.”

The UK further accused M23 of obstructing humanitarian efforts and peacekeeping operations, stating:

“We condemn M23’s continued restrictions on MONUSCO, which have prevented the Mission from being able to deliver key tasks mandated by this Council.”

Rising Humanitarian Toll The Security Council meeting also highlighted the deepening humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC. As M23 consolidates control over large parts of Rutshuru, Masisi, and now Walikale, over a million civilians remain displaced. Humanitarian access has been severely restricted, especially after the closure of Goma airport and major supply routes.

The UK supported joint calls by the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to reopen these lifelines and ensure unhindered access to aid.

“We call on all parties to protect civilians, including from sexual and gender-based violence, and immediately end and prevent the abduction, recruitment, and use of children in combat.”

The UK has committed over $18 million in humanitarian support to eastern DRC in 2025 alone.

Regional Diplomacy in Crisis Despite the escalation, the UK voiced strong support for ongoing regional diplomatic efforts. These include the joint EAC-SADC peace framework and the newly created Panel of Facilitators—composed of five former African presidents tasked with mediating between the parties.

The UK also praised His Highness the Amir of Qatar for recently hosting DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame for direct talks in Doha. However, the UK expressed disappointment that no ceasefire emerged from the meeting.

“We regret that despite the commitments made, an immediate and unconditional ceasefire has not yet materialised,” the UK said.

The UK also acknowledged the contributions of Angola’s President João Lourenço and the Luanda Process, which had achieved progress on key issues—including the disengagement of RDF troops, neutralization of the FDLR, and Kinshasa’s agreement to hold direct talks with M23. However, M23 ultimately refused to participate in the dialogue, derailing hopes for a near-term political settlement.

Global Stakes and Urgency for Action With M23 pushing further into North Kivu and regional mediation faltering, the UK issued a final warning about the broader implications of continued conflict.

“The conflict in eastern DRC is undermining security across the region,” the UK delegation said. “We urge the parties to engage now in the regionally led peace processes to bring it to a sustainable end.”

The Security Council is expected to hold further briefings in the coming days, as diplomatic pressure intensifies on Rwanda, M23, and other actors to halt hostilities and return to the negotiating table.

As the humanitarian crisis worsens and regional tensions rise, the future of eastern DRC—and regional stability in Central and East Africa—hangs in the balance.