Fighting continues in eastern DRC as M23 rebels clash with pro-Congolese militias. Reports indicate high civilian casualties following recent assaults. The M23 group is expanding control over resource-rich areas, leading to accusations against Rwanda for support. Tensions remain high and the situation is critical for local civilians.
Clashes are ongoing in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as fighting between M23 rebels and pro-Congolese militias escalates. This violence, reported by residents in Nyabiondo—approximately 100 km north of Goma—comes just days after a deadly assault on civilians that resulted in significant casualties. Both the United Nations and local NGOs have confirmed a heavy death toll among civilians.
The M23 rebel group has been actively seizing territory in eastern Congo, gaining ground since the year’s beginning. Kipanda Biiri, a local official, reported that “M23 has taken Nyabiondo since 11 a.m. [local time] (0900 GMT), following clashes.” Telesphore Mitondeke, a civil society rapporteur from Masisi, described the conflict, stating, “For the moment there is shooting from every direction in the center of Nyabiondo, where the clashes are taking place.”
This recent fighting follows prior clashes in Tambi, northeast of Masisi, where an attack overnight on March 5 led to numerous civilian casualties, as reported by a local NGO head. An internal UN memo indicated that the civilian death toll from that incident ranged from 13 to 40.
In addition, a spokesman for the M23 alliance noted that a pro-government militia has defected to their side, while the former group has maintained allegiance to the Congolese government. M23 asserts their ambition to capture power in Kinshasa, criticizing the Congolese government for failing to adhere to peace agreements regarding the integration of Congolese Tutsis into military and administrative roles. Analysts believe the rebels’ control over resource-rich territories enhances their potential for increased mining revenue.
Amidst these developments, the DRC government has accused Rwanda of backing the M23 group, an assertion that Rwanda denies. Conversely, Kigali claims DRC collaborates with the FDLR, a Hutu militia linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, a charge DRC refutes. The DRC has classified M23 as a terrorist organization, although the UN and US term it as an armed rebel group.
The ongoing clashes in eastern DRC highlight the escalating violence between M23 rebels and local militias, exacerbated by the recent attack on civilians. The conflict underscores a complex web of regional allegations and internal strife, primarily driven by M23’s ambitions and accusations against external actors like Rwanda. The humanitarian impact continues to grow, calling for renewed attention from international stakeholders.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
