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UN Group of Experts Report on the DRC (S/2026/534): Key Findings on Rwanda–M23

The latest UN Group of Experts report (S/2026/534) outlines the scale of the conflict in eastern DRC and documents allegations regarding Rwanda's support for AFC/M23.


Key findings:

  • 14,000–18,000 RDF troops estimated in eastern DRC, including 8,000–10,000 in South Kivu and 6,000–8,000 in North Kivu.

  • 30,000 AFC/M23 fighters estimated across the region.

  • 3.4 million people displaced across Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu by March 2026.

  • More than 60% of the population in the three provinces living in extreme poverty.

  • Uvira captured on December 10, 2025, following a Rwanda–M23 offensive involving over 8,000 RDF troops, drones, electronic jamming systems, BM-21 rocket launchers and GPS-guided mortars.

  • M23 identified as the leading perpetrator of UN-verified conflict-related sexual violence cases.

  • Rubaya coltan production exceeded 120 tonnes per month, with M23 reportedly collecting $4/kg on coltan and $2/kg on cassiterite.


Rwanda's cassiterite exports increased by 58% in 2025, rising from 4,859 tonnes to 7,700 tonnes, despite no comparable increase in domestic production.


The UN report describes AFC/M23 as operating with military, political and economic structures while documenting allegations of Rwandan military support, large-scale displacement, mineral taxation, and cross-border mineral flows that continue to fuel the conflict in eastern Congo.


Read Full Report Here

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