Fighting has resumed in the DRC’s South Kivu, with government forces clashing with M23 rebels supported by Rwandan troops. The conflict escalated with M23’s offensive in Nyabibwe, raising concerns for nearby Bukavu. Humanitarian conditions are critical, with thousands dead in Goma and ongoing humanitarian crises following resource looting. Talks between regional leaders in Tanzania aim to address the conflict and its regional implications.
In the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), clashes have reignited between Congolese forces and the M23 rebel group, reportedly assisted by Rwandan troops in Nyabibwe, South Kivu. Congolese government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya indicated that the M23 has violated a ceasefire it had unilaterally declared on February 3, 2025, as fighting erupted early Wednesday morning in the Kalehe territory. The M23’s offensive was purportedly bolstered by Rwandan reinforcements crossing from Goma, which recently fell into rebel control.
The M23’s capture of Nyabibwe, a vital mining town near Lake Kivu, raises concerns for Bukavu, the provincial capital approximately 70 kilometers south, although the rebels earlier stated they had no intention of seizing the city. Corneille Nangaa, leader of the Congo River Alliance that includes the M23, confirmed their advance into Nyabibwe while asserting that they acted in defense against government forces. A Congolese military court has issued an international arrest warrant against Nangaa for war crimes and treason.
The humanitarian impact in Goma continues to unfold, with reports indicating a catastrophic civilian toll from the recent violence. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) announced an estimated 2,800 fatalities in Goma, highlighting challenges in assessing the full scope of the crisis. International Criminal Court prosecutors are monitoring potential war crimes as aid groups report extensive looting of medical supplies, severely crippling local healthcare services.
In response to the escalating crisis, Congolese lawmakers in Kinshasa convened to deliberate on the situation ahead of crucial weekend negotiations with regional leaders. Presidents Paul Kagame of Rwanda and Felix Tshisekedi of DRC are set to participate in a summit in Dar es Salaam that focuses on the broader East African Community and Southern African Development Community issues. The DRC accuses Rwanda of exploiting the DRC’s mineral wealth through M23 support, while Rwanda maintains that its involvement is to safeguard ethnic Tutsis and ensure regional stability.
Tensions have been rising in the DRC, particularly in eastern provinces like South Kivu, due to violent encounters between government forces and rebel groups such as the M23, which is allegedly backed by Rwanda. The region has a history of conflict over valuable mineral resources, and conflicting narratives between the DRC and Rwanda complicate diplomatic efforts. The DRC government has accused Rwanda of instigating violence for resource exploitation, while Rwanda cites self-defense as its motive. Recent international attention to the humanitarian crisis, particularly in Goma, underscores the dire situation for civilians caught in the crossfire.
The revival of fighting in South Kivu marks a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict involving the M23 rebel group and Congolese forces, with allegations of Rwandan involvement complicating the situation. The humanitarian crisis is dire, necessitating urgent international and regional intervention as leaders prepare for talks. The situation calls for a reconsideration of peace strategies in the face of rising casualties and a deteriorating social framework in the affected areas.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
