Fighting has resumed in eastern DRC, intensifying after leaders called for a ceasefire. The M23 rebel group has attacked Congolese army positions, with accusations of Rwandan support for the rebels. The conflict has led to increased humanitarian crises and regional instability, prompting diplomatic discussions at an upcoming African Union meeting.
On Tuesday, renewed fighting broke out in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) just three days following a call for a ceasefire by African leaders. M23 rebel fighters launched attacks on Congolese army positions in the South Kivu province at dawn, as reported by local and security sources. The DRC government has classified M23 as a terrorist organization, while the United Nations and the United States regard it as an armed rebel group. The DRC accuses Rwanda of supporting these rebels, a claim Rwanda has consistently denied.
The resurgence of conflict follows a recent appeal from East and Southern African leaders for a plan to implement an “unconditional” ceasefire, as the ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties and widespread displacement. The M23, having resumed armed activities in late 2021, has captured substantial territory in the mineral-rich regions of eastern DRC. Their advance has raised concerns, especially after they gained control of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, last month.
Clashes were reported near the village of Ihusi, approximately 70 kilometers from Bukavu, where heavy weapon detonations were noted. Kavumu airport, being utilized by the Congolese army for troop reinforcements, remains pivotal in the ongoing military engagements. In anticipation of an M23 assault, Bukavu has been in a state of heightened alert, with schools and businesses closing while residents evacuated out of fear of an impending attack.
The potential capture of Bukavu by the M23 would grant them complete control over Lake Kivu, escalating tensions further. Presently, around 300 Congolese soldiers face prosecution for severe charges, including rape and murder. Amidst these challenges, the M23 seeks to establish control over key supply routes to the DRC army by advancing towards highlands overlooking the main road.
Burundian soldiers are providing support to the Congolese forces in South Kivu, having deployed approximately 10,000 troops to the region. Tensions in Goma continue to rise, as the group has begun forming its own administration, conducting recruitment for police forces, amid a deteriorating humanitarian situation. With running water scarce, many residents have resorted to using water from Lake Kivu, raising concerns over cholera outbreaks among displaced populations.
The humanitarian crisis has worsened, as Goma’s airport remains closed, despite United Nations appeals for humanitarian assistance transport. The conflict in east DRC is to be addressed at an upcoming African Union meeting in Addis Ababa, emphasizing the urgency for de-escalation amidst fears of a regional war. However, diplomatic endeavors to resolve the crisis have been largely ineffective.
Kinshasa has leveled accusations against Rwanda for attempting to exploit DRC’s natural resources, including tantalum, tin, and gold. Conversely, Rwanda maintains its operations aim to dispose of armed groups perceived as threats to its security. Additionally, violence related to militia activities in Ituri province, attributed to the Lendu ethnic group, resulted in a tragic loss of 51 lives, exacerbating the dire situation in the DRC, which has been plagued by conflict for over three decades.
In summary, the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has intensified with renewed fighting by the M23 rebels, despite recent calls for a ceasefire. The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate in Goma, and regional diplomatic efforts have yet to yield substantial progress. The DRC remains caught in a complex web of internal and external pressures, emphasizing the urgent need for effective conflict resolution strategies and support from the international community.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
