Fighting has resumed in eastern DRC, with M23 rebels attacking Congolese army positions shortly after calls for ceasefire. This conflict has drawn international attention due to allegations of Rwandan support for the M23 and the resulting humanitarian crisis. The M23 aims to control Bukavu and has established their administration in Goma, while the situation worsens amid increasing cholera cases.
Recent fighting has escalated in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), following a brief lull in hostilities. On Tuesday, M23 rebel fighters launched attacks against Congolese army positions in South Kivu province at dawn. This comes shortly after a plea from African leaders for an “unconditional” ceasefire amid a conflict that has claimed thousands of lives and displaced many individuals. The DRC government has labeled the M23 group as a terrorist organization, while the UN and US classify it as an armed rebel group. The DRC accuses Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels, which Rwanda firmly denies.
The M23 group has gained control over significant territories in mineral-rich eastern DRC since resuming its military actions in late 2021. Following their capture of Goma, the capital of neighboring North Kivu province, the M23 has begun advancing into South Kivu. Clashes were reported near Ihusi village, located approximately 70 kilometers from Bukavu, the provincial capital. Local sources documented heavy weapon detonations during the fighting. Bukavu has seen public facilities such as schools and banks close as residents flee the region, fearing an impending M23 offensive.
The capture of Bukavu would grant the M23 and Rwandan forces full control of Lake Kivu. Meanwhile, almost 300 Congolese soldiers are on trial for serious charges like rape and murder. The M23 aims to challenge President Felix Tshisekedi and has tried to cut off supply lines to the DRC army but has faced resistance from Burundian soldiers deployed to assist the Congolese forces. Reportedly, around 10,000 Burundian soldiers are currently stationed in South Kivu, with recent reinforcements sent to support military defenses.
In Goma, where the M23 is establishing its own administration, the humanitarian situation is deteriorating severely, compounded by a lack of running water. Cholera cases are rising among displaced populations due to worsening conditions. Despite an urgent appeal from the UN for a humanitarian corridor, Goma’s airport remains closed, complicating the transport of essential aid to the affected. The crisis has become a focal point for discussion at an upcoming African Union meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
As calls from the international community for de-escalation amplify, fears grow that renewed fighting could escalate into a broader regional conflict. Previous diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing issues have been largely unsuccessful. The DRC has urged for targeted sanctions against Rwanda, citing a desire to plunder the country’s resources, while Rwanda claims it is acting out of necessity to eliminate threats from armed groups. Furthermore, violent incidents in northeastern Ituri province highlight the broader instability, where a militia attack resulted in 51 fatalities. The DRC continues to face a long history of conflicts and humanitarian challenges.
The resurgence of conflict in eastern DRC has highlighted both the ongoing violence perpetrated by the M23 rebel group and the international community’s failure to effectively mediate the situation. With allegations of regional interventions and humanitarian crises growing, the need for concerted diplomatic efforts has never been more urgent. As the DRC struggles with multiple armed confrontations, it remains imperative to resolve underlying tensions to prevent further deterioration of security and humanitarian conditions in the region.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
