Heavy fighting erupted in Nyabiondo, Congo, as M23 rebels took control amid ongoing clashes with pro-Congolese militias. These events follow previous violence causing civilian deaths, highlighting the intense conflict in the region driven by M23’s ambitions to seize more territory and power. An alignment of militias adds further complexity to this conflict.
Recent clashes erupted in Nyabiondo, located approximately 100 kilometers north of Goma, involving M23 rebels and pro-Congolese militias. Residents reported that fighting occurred on Sunday, occurring shortly after a prior attack resulted in numerous civilian casualties. This surge of violence follows a pattern since the M23, a Rwanda-backed group, commenced a campaign for control of eastern Congo earlier this year.
M23 rebels reportedly captured Nyabiondo around 11 a.m. local time after engaging in conflict with local forces. Kipanda Biiri, a local administrative officer, confirmed their control of the area. Observations from Telesphore Mitondeke, a civil society representative, indicated intense shooting throughout Nyabiondo’s center during the clashes, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
This outbreak of hostilities follows prior confrontations between M23 and a pro-Congolese militia in Tambi earlier in the week, where overnight violence resulted in civilian deaths. An internal United Nations memo revealed that casualty estimates ranged from 13 to 40 civilians from that incident.
On the same day, a spokesperson for the M23 coalition announced that a pro-government militia aligned itself with them. However, the original militia group affirmed its loyalty to the Congolese government and military.
M23’s aggressive expansion is driven by intentions to exert influence over Kinshasa, the capital of Congo. The group criticizes the government for failing to fulfill agreements regarding the integration of Congolese Tutsis into state structures, while also seeking to capitalize on the rich mineral resources in the region, thereby increasing potential revenues.
The recent escalation in Nyabiondo, with M23 rebels capturing the area and engaging in intense conflict with local militias, encapsulates the ongoing instability in eastern Congo. Coupled with significant civilian casualties from prior attacks, the dynamics of rebel alliances and government loyalties further complicate the situation. M23’s ambitions to expand their power and control over mineral resources pose critical challenges to peace and security in the region.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
