Clashes between M23 rebels and pro-Congo militias persist in eastern DRC, particularly in Nyabiondo, following a deadly attack on civilians. The M23 group, having captured large areas this year, seeks to take power in Kinshasa. The DRC blames Rwanda for supporting M23, while Rwanda accuses the DRC of collusion with the FDLR militia. International bodies classify M23 variably as a terrorist or armed group.
Ongoing clashes in Nyabiondo, located approximately 100 kilometers north of Goma in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), have been reported. These confrontations involve M23 rebels engaging with pro-Congolese militias, following a devastating attack on civilians that resulted in numerous deaths. This information has been corroborated by the United Nations and a local Non-Governmental Organization (NGO).
Since the beginning of the year, the M23 group has expanded its control over significant mineral-rich regions in eastern Congo. “M23 has taken Nyabiondo since 11 a.m. [local time] (0900 GMT), following clashes,” stated Kipanda Biiri, a local administrative official who was leaving the area. Telesphore Mitondeke, a civil society rapporteur, reported fierce gunfire and the ongoing assault in Nyabiondo by M23 rebels.
The recent violence follows last week’s confrontations between M23 rebels and a pro-Congolese government militia in Tambi village, northeast of Masisi. This culminated in a severe attack on March 5, claiming many civilian lives, according to local NGO leadership. A United Nations internal memo indicated that between 13 and 40 civilians may have lost their lives due to this violence.
In a related development, a spokesperson from the M23 alliance announced on X that a pro-government militia in eastern Congo has shifted allegiance to their side. This transition sparked a statement from the former militia group, asserting that the remainder remains committed to the Congolese government and its military.
M23 rebels have expressed their ambition to capture power in the DRC’s capital, Kinshasa, while accusing the government of failing to honor prior peace agreements and adequately incorporating Congolese Tutsis into the army and administration. Analysts note that their encroachment into new, mineral-rich territories could significantly bolster their mining revenue.
The DRC government accuses Rwanda of backing the M23 group, an assertion that Rwanda denies. Conversely, Rwanda alleges that the DRC cooperates with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a Hutu militia linked to the 1994 genocide. The DRC resists these claims, firmly opposing the characterization of its actions. Additionally, the DRC has designated M23 as a terrorist organization, whereas the United Nations and the United States label it an armed rebel group.
In summary, the ongoing violence in eastern DRC remains alarming, with M23 rebels intensifying their operations in Nyabiondo amidst allegations of civilian casualties from a recent attack. The conflict not only reflects the complex dynamics of local militias but also broader geopolitical tensions in the region. The DRC’s designation of M23 as a terrorist organization and allegations of foreign support further complicate the situation, highlighting the urgent need for a resolution to ensure civilian safety and regional stability.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
