The African Union on Monday demanded the immediate and verifiable withdrawal of M23 rebels from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo city of Uvira, warning that continued occupation risks worsening civilian suffering and regional instability.

In a communique adopted at its Peace and Security Council meeting on Dec. 29, the AU condemned what it described as a recent offensive by the AFC/M23, including the seizure of Uvira in South Kivu province, and said the group must pull out of all occupied areas without conditions.

“The council demands the immediate and full withdrawal of AFC/M23 from Uvira and all occupied areas in eastern DRC,” the AU said, stressing that any announced pullback must be “verifiable, sustained and accompanied by full respect for ceasefire commitments, civilian protection and humanitarian access.”

The council expressed “grave concern” over civilian casualties and displacement linked to the fighting and warned that violations of international humanitarian and human rights law would not go unpunished. It also reiterated its condemnation of any foreign military support to armed groups operating in eastern Congo.

AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said the escalation in violence “poses a serious threat to regional peace and security,” while calling for the swift implementation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 2773, adopted earlier this year, which demands an end to support for armed groups in eastern Congo.

Congolese Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner told the council that her government expects “clear and concrete steps” toward ending the occupation of Congolese territory, according to the communique.

The AU’s renewed push comes amid heightened tensions between Congo and neighboring Rwanda, which Kinshasa accuses of backing M23 a claim Kigali denies. The council urged both countries to pursue dialogue and implement recently signed agreements in good faith.

The United Nations has repeatedly warned that fighting in eastern Congo has worsened one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises, with more than 7 million people displaced nationwide. U.N. officials say armed groups continue to exploit weak governance, regional rivalries and illicit mineral trafficking.

The AU said it would strengthen African-led mediation efforts, working with regional blocs, and remains prepared to consider additional measures to protect civilians and support a negotiated political solution.

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