Eastern DRC: Rwandan military support to M23 rebels exceeds 10,000 troops with no withdrawal signs

Fresh evidence from a United Nations experts group reveals that the Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF) continue to provide substantial military backing to the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels operating in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This support includes over 10,000 deployed troops, advanced weaponry, and strategic operational assistance.

The findings, outlined in a report submitted to the UN Security Council on May 8, 2026, and reviewed on June 5, 2026, confirm that RDF troops remain actively engaged in combat alongside M23 units across North-Kivu and South-Kivu provinces. The report documents continuous reinforcements, the use of sophisticated military technology, and aerial warfare capabilities being deployed to bolster M23’s offensive and defensive operations.

Advanced military integration and operational tactics

The UN experts’ investigation highlights several alarming developments:

• Mixed combat units: RDF personnel are integrated into M23 battalions, including special commando units from Rwandan training camps such as Bigogwe, Rubavu, and Cyangugu.
• Disguised deployments: Recent RDF movements feature troops wearing M23 uniforms to avoid detection, with troop movements predominantly conducted under cover of darkness.
• Strategic air support: The RDF has deployed advanced military assets including drones, electronic warfare equipment, and special forces units to enhance M23’s combat effectiveness.

According to the report, RDF operations have been documented in areas with no reported presence of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), including Uvira territory, challenging Kigali’s justification of its military intervention as self-defense.

Troop deployment figures and evolving dynamics

The UN document estimates that as of December 2025, RDF deployments stood at 8,000 to 10,000 troops in South-Kivu and 6,000 to 8,000 in North-Kivu. Since then, the report notes continued troop rotations and reinforcements rather than withdrawals, indicating a sustained and expanding military involvement.

The M23 rebels, who control significant portions of eastern DRC territory, receive operational supervision from RDF commanders embedded within their units. The report states that “each M23 combat unit is supervised and supported by RDF personnel”, effectively merging the two forces in combat scenarios.

Diplomatic impasse amid deteriorating security

This latest UN report emerges as diplomatic efforts through the Washington, Doha, and Montreux processes fail to yield meaningful results. Despite the Washington Accord and multiple evaluation meetings, security and humanitarian conditions in eastern DRC continue to deteriorate. Tensions remain high between Kinshasa and Kigali, with both capitals interpreting the accord’s terms differently, complicating its implementation nearly one year after its signing.

The Doha process, under Qatari mediation, has similarly stalled. Repeated negotiation cycles have not bridged the substantial gaps between Kinshasa and the AFC/M23 alliance backed by Rwanda. The Montreux phase in Switzerland, intended to inject momentum into the process, has likewise underdelivered on its commitments. Escalating security concerns in the Middle East have further diverted international attention, slowing mediation efforts.

The deteriorating security environment in eastern DRC, compounded by foreign military interference, raises serious concerns about regional stability and civilian protection in one of Africa’s most volatile regions.