United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO)

Force in Play

Mandate renewed through December 2026; authorized 11,500 troops but unable to prevent M23 advances

Congolese authorities have uncovered at least 171 bodies in two mass graves on the outskirts of Uvira, an eastern DRC city. M23 withdrew from the city in January after the United States requested the pullback as a trust-building gesture. Local officials and civil society groups say the victims were killed by M23 fighters who suspected them of ties to the Congolese army or pro-government militias, though M23 denies involvement.

Updated May 29