The United Nations Security Council has adopted Resolution 2808 (2025), strongly condemning the renewed offensive by the M23 armed group in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and accusing it of operating with the direct support of the Rwanda Defence Forces. The resolution, adopted on 19 December 2025, warns that the escalating violence in North Kivu and South Kivu threatens regional stability and continues to pose a serious risk to international peace and security.
The Council demanded that the M23 immediately halt and reverse its military operations, including its seizure of strategic areas such as Uvira, and called on Rwanda to withdraw its forces from Congolese territory. It further urged all parties to establish a permanent, effective and verifiable ceasefire, in line with earlier commitments and regional peace frameworks.
Resolution 2808 extends the mandate of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) until 20 December 2026, authorising the mission—on an exceptional basis—to continue deploying its Force Intervention Brigade. The Council reaffirmed that MONUSCO’s top priorities remain the protection of civilians, support for peace processes, and the stabilisation and strengthening of state institutions, while insisting that all operations comply strictly with international humanitarian and human rights law.
The resolution expresses grave concern over the worsening humanitarian situation, marked by mass displacement, acute food insecurity, and widespread sexual and gender-based violence, particularly against women and children. It calls for the protection of internally displaced persons and refugees, respect for the civilian character of camps, and the reopening of Goma airport to facilitate humanitarian access. Member States were urged to scale up funding amid sharp reductions affecting relief operations.
On accountability, the Council underscored the need to combat impunity, urging cooperation with the International Criminal Court and regional human rights mechanisms. It condemned the recruitment and use of children by armed groups, demanded their immediate release, and called for the rehabilitation and reintegration of former child soldiers.
The resolution also highlights concerns raised by UN experts regarding the deployment of advanced weaponry, including surface-to-air missiles, suicide drones, and GPS jamming in M23-controlled areas, actions that undermine civilian protection, humanitarian operations, and the safety of peacekeepers. It further denounced the illegal exploitation of natural resources and “conflict minerals,” linking such practices to the financing of armed groups.
Regionally, the Council reaffirmed support for African-led mediation efforts, including those of the African Union, and welcomed recent peace initiatives such as the Washington Peace Agreement and the Doha Framework for Peace. It stressed that lasting stability in eastern DRC depends on regional cooperation, respect for sovereignty, and inclusive peacebuilding with the participation of women, youth, and civil society.
While endorsing a gradual, responsible and conditions-based withdrawal of MONUSCO in the future, the Council cautioned against creating security vacuums and emphasised that the Congolese government retains the primary responsibility to protect civilians. It requested regular reporting by the Secretary-General on security developments, humanitarian conditions, and progress toward a sustainable ceasefire, signalling continued close scrutiny of the situation in the Great Lakes region
