DRC fighting forces 200,000 to flee just days after Washington peace deal

Following a US-brokered peace deal between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), renewed fighting in eastern DRC has displaced approximately 200,000 people. The conflict involves the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels advancing towards the strategic town of Uvira, clashing with Congolese troops and local groups. Escalating violence has resulted in at least 74 deaths and numerous injuries. Despite the recent peace agreement and ongoing Qatari-led peace talks, M23 rebels captured Luvungi and are engaged in intense fighting near other villages. The US has expressed deep concern over the violence, urging Rwanda to cease its support for the M23 rebels. The conflict has already displaced over a million people prior to this recent surge in fighting.