The Democratic Republic of Congo is facing increased violence from M23 rebels, leading to the death of North Kivu’s governor and prompting Western nations to advise evacuations. UN peacekeepers are engaged in combat against the rebels amid severe humanitarian impacts, with over 400,000 displaced this year alone due to escalating hostilities.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is experiencing an alarming increase in violence as M23 rebels intensify their attacks on Congolese armed forces. The Congolese army has reported the death of North Kivu province’s governor, Peter Chirimwami, following a frontline confrontation on Friday. Amid this escalation, Western nations including the United Kingdom, the United States, and France are advising their citizens to evacuate Goma, despite the continued operation of airports and borders.
The United Nations peacekeeping mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) has announced its forces are actively engaging in intense combat against the M23 rebels. In the past 48 hours, MONUSCO has launched heavy artillery fire against M23 strongholds. Concerns have been raised, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressing alarm over the uptick in violence, as conveyed by his spokesman.
The M23 rebels have made significant territorial gains, capturing several towns to the west of Goma, including Minova, Katale, and Masisi. This group derives its name from a 2009 agreement with the Congolese government, which they allege has been violated. M23 is primarily composed of ethnic Tutsis who previously defected from the Congolese army and is one among many armed factions vying for power in the region.
The ongoing conflict in the DRC has further exacerbated an already critical humanitarian crisis in eastern regions. The United Nations reports that more than 400,000 individuals have been displaced this year due to the ongoing hostilities in North Kivu province. Matthew Saltmarsh from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees stated that “the number of displacements is now over 400,000 people this year alone,” indicating a significant increase from figures reported just a week prior.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has been troubled by armed conflict for many years, particularly in the eastern provinces where numerous groups are engaged in skirmishes for control of territory and resources. The M23 rebel group emerged in 2012, alleging that the Congolese government had violated previous peace agreements. The situation has led to severe humanitarian issues, with countless civilians affected by violence and displacement.
The situation in the DRC remains critical as M23 rebels intensify their assaults, resulting in significant casualties and escalating humanitarian crises. The international community is increasingly alarmed, particularly with the recent death of the provincial governor and the call for evacuations from Western governments. The UN continues to engage militarily against the rebels, yet the consequences for civilians are becoming dire with hundreds of thousands displaced.
Original Source: www.newsbytesapp.com
