U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham welcomed news that M23 forces had withdrawn from the city of Uvira in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), but expressed concern after learning that the troops were coming under attacks.
In a post on X, Senator Graham highlighted the ongoing violence in eastern DRC and called for continued international support to ensure peace and security in the region.
He also emphasized the importance of the United States playing a role in bringing conflicting parties together through dialogue to promote lasting peace and economic development.
The M23 movement recently announced that it had begun withdrawing its forces from Uvira, which the group had captured on December 10, 2025.
However, early on Friday, December 19, 2025, M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa reported that the Mikenke area was under heavy attack by DRC government forces.
Mikenke is located in the highlands of Fizi Territory in South Kivu Province, near Minembwe.
M23 has repeatedly accused the DRC government, in coordination with groups including Wazalendo and Burundian forces, of targeting civilian populations in South Kivu, particularly the Banyamulenge community.
According to M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka, on December 12–13, 2025, government forces carried out airstrikes using fighter aircraft, helicopters, and drones, hitting densely populated villages in Mikenke and Rwesankuku. The attacks, he said, violated international humanitarian law protecting civilians.
On Friday, Kanyuka reported additional attacks by DRC government forces, using drones and heavy weapons, targeting Makobola and Minembwe, raising serious concerns for local residents.
M23 stated that it had declared a ceasefire to pursue a peaceful resolution but expressed worry that the DRC government continues military operations.
The movement called on Congolese civilians and international partners to witness and document violations of the ceasefire and ongoing attacks on civilians.
