Overview
- DRC President Félix Tshisekedi told lawmakers that Rwanda violated the Dec. 4 deal signed in Washington, alleging Rwandan Defence Force units carried out and supported attacks with heavy weapons the next day.
- Local and military sources reported rapid M23 gains in South Kivu, including the seizure of Luvungi and a push toward Uvira that prompted fleeing Congolese and allied Burundian troops to seek refuge in Burundi.
- Explosions in Sange killed as many as 36 civilians, according to local officials and other sources, with responsibility not yet established.
- The U.S. State Department said it is deeply concerned and urged Rwanda, which it says continues to support M23, to prevent further escalation; the International Contact Group for the Great Lakes called for an RDF withdrawal and for M23 to return to previous positions.
- Burundi accused Rwanda of bombing near Cibitoke, saying two people were wounded, while UN experts reported summary executions and forced displacements by the RDF and M23, allegations Kigali rejects.