Heavy fighting erupted in Nyabiondo between M23 rebels and pro-Congo militias, days after a deadly attack causing civilian casualties. M23 has occupied significant areas in eastern Congo since early this year, with ambitions of controlling Kinshasa. The conflict raises alarms about unresolved governmental issues and potential increases in mining revenues for the rebels.
On Sunday, significant combat occurred in Nyabiondo, located about 100 km north of Goma in eastern Congo. The ongoing skirmish involved M23 rebels and pro-Congo militias shortly after a prior attack led to substantial civilian casualties, according to reports from the United Nations and a non-governmental organization (NGO).
The M23, which is supported by Rwanda, has gained control of significant portions of mineral-rich eastern Congo since the beginning of the year. Local administrative official Kipanda Biiri reported that M23 had taken Nyabiondo by 11 am (0900 GMT) after intense clashes.
Telesphore Mitondeke, a civil society representative, described the scene, stating, “The enemy opened a large-scale assault on Nyabiondo this morning,” noting continuous gunfire in the area. This recent confrontation follows earlier violence in Tambi, roughly 18 km northeast of Masisi, resulting in many civilian casualties reported by local NGOs.
An internal UN memo suggested that between 13 and 40 civilians were killed during that assault on March 5. Also on Sunday, a spokesperson announced on social media that a pro-government militia had switched allegiance to join the M23 alliance. Despite this, the original militia claims that their remaining members still support the Congolese government.
M23 rebels have expressed their intent to gain control in the capital, Kinshasa, citing government failures to honor peace agreements and to integrate Congolese Tutsis into positions of power. Their expansion into new territories could also increase their revenue from mining operations, according to analysts.
The recent clashes in Nyabiondo highlight the ongoing instability in eastern Congo, with M23 rebels making significant territorial gains amidst rising civilian casualties. The conflict underscores unresolved issues surrounding integration within the Congolese government and the rebels’ ambitions for power. As the situation develops, the implications for local governance and regional stability remain significant.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
