Fighting in South Kivu, DRC, has resurfaced between Congolese forces and the M23 rebels, backed by Rwandan troops. The clashes broke a ceasefire, raising concerns over civilian casualties in Goma. International focus intensifies as leaders prepare for a regional summit amid accusations against Rwanda regarding resource exploitation.
Fighting has resumed in South Kivu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), amid renewed clashes between Congolese troops and the M23 rebel group, which reportedly receives support from Rwandan forces. The Congolese government’s spokesperson Patrick Muyaya stated that the M23 has violated a ceasefire it declared on February 3, 2025, after troops clashed in Nyabibwe, a significant mining town.
The confrontation initiated early on Wednesday in the Kalehe territory, not far from Nyabibwe. This area is critical for the mining of valuable minerals like gold and coltan. Reports indicate that Rwandan soldiers have crossed the border to reinforce the M23 offensive against the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC), particularly following M23’s recent capture of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province.
M23’s occupation of Nyabibwe brings them closer to Bukavu, the provincial capital, located about 70 kilometers to the south. Although the rebels have stated they do not intend to seize Bukavu, their advancement raises tensions, as acknowledged by Corneille Nangaa, the coalition leader of M23, who claimed to have defended against government attacks.
Amidst the military escalation, the humanitarian situation in Goma is dire, with an alarming casualty report of at least 2,800 civilian deaths due to recent conflicts. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) highlighted the staggering human toll and the challenges faced in assessing the complete situation.
International interest peaks as the International Criminal Court is monitoring potential war crimes in Goma. The city’s infrastructure and medical facilities have severely degraded, as evidenced by the looting of the International Committee of the Red Cross medical warehouse and destruction of a maternity ward, further complicating the crisis.
In Kinshasa, DRC lawmakers are convening to address the escalating situation ahead of a regional summit. Rwandan President Paul Kagame and DRC’s President Felix Tshisekedi will attend a summit of East African Community and Southern African Development Community leaders, where the conflict and Rwanda’s involvement will be significant topics of discussion. Claims persist that Rwanda is exploiting the conflict to access the DRC’s rich mineral resources, while Rwanda asserts its military actions are for self-defense and protection of ethnic groups.
The UN Human Rights Council will convene a special session on the crisis at Kinshasa’s request, underscoring the international ramifications of the conflict. As fighting continues, urgent diplomatic efforts are required to navigate to a peaceful resolution and mitigate the humanitarian crisis.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has been plagued by conflict involving various rebel groups, notably the M23, and neighboring country’s interventions, primarily by Rwanda. Tensions have escalated due to accusations of resource exploitation, ethnic tensions, and the ongoing humanitarian crisis exacerbated by recent hostilities. The M23 rebel group has a history of violent confrontation with the Congolese government, which complicates peace efforts and regional stability.
In summary, the renewed fighting in South Kivu threatens to exacerbate an already dire humanitarian situation, with significant civilian casualties reported. The involvement of Rwandan forces and the capture of strategic locations by M23 further complicates efforts for diplomatic resolution. The upcoming regional summit and international monitoring highlight the urgent need for de-escalation and humanitarian support amid the ongoing crisis.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
