Fighting persists in eastern DRC between M23 rebels and pro-goverment militias, following a deadly attack on civilians. The rebel group has gained substantial ground in recent months, with claims of defection from militia groups adding to tensions. Accusations of foreign backing complicate an already volatile situation as the DRC government labels M23 a terrorist organization.
Clashes persist in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as fighting erupted between M23 rebels and pro-Congo militias in Nyabiondo, located approximately 100 kilometers north of Goma. Residents reported that this conflict comes shortly after a brutal attack on civilians nearby, which resulted in significant casualties as confirmed by both the United Nations and a local NGO.
The M23 rebel faction has gained control over vast areas of mineral-rich eastern Congo since the onset of the year. Kipanda Biiri, a local administrative official seeking refuge, commented, “M23 has taken Nyabiondo since 11 a.m. [local time] (0900 GMT), following clashes.” Furthermore, Telesphore Mitondeke, a civil society rapporteur in Masisi, noted, “The enemy opened a large-scale assault on Nyabiondo this morning,” emphasizing that gunfire was pervasive in the town’s center.
These recent hostilities follow earlier clashes between M23 and a pro-government militia in Tambi, approximately 18 kilometers northeast of Masisi. This confrontation culminated in an attack on March 5, which, according to the head of a local NGO, led to substantial civilian casualties. An internal United Nations memo indicated that between 13 and 40 civilians were believed to have perished in that incident.
In a separate development, a spokesperson for the alliance that includes M23 reported that a pro-government militia had defected and joined their coalition. However, the spokesperson for the defected group maintained in a statement that the remainder remains committed to the Congolese government and its military. M23 aims to seize control of the capital, Kinshasa, claiming that the government has failed to adhere to prior peace agreements and to fully integrate Congolese Tutsis into governmental and military structures.
Analysts suggest that M23’s territorial expansions allow it to increase its mining revenues significantly. The DRC government has accused Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels, a claim that Rwanda vehemently denies. Conversely, Rwanda has alleged that Kinshasa cooperates with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a Hutu militant organization linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, an allegation that the DRC disputes. Notably, the DRC has officially classified the M23 as a terrorist organization, while the United Nations and the United States recognize it as an armed rebel group.
In summary, ongoing clashes in eastern DRC reflect the intensifying conflict between M23 rebels and pro-Congolese government militias, leading to significant civilian casualties and territorial control disputes. The allegations of foreign involvement from Rwanda further complicate the situation, as both governments exchange accusations. As the DRC government considers M23 a terrorist organization, the stakes continue to rise in this turbulent region.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
