Fighting resumed in eastern DRC following a call for ceasefire from African leaders. M23 rebels targeted Congolese army positions in South Kivu. The humanitarian situation worsens in Goma due to conflict, with increased cholera cases reported. An African Union meeting is set to discuss the crisis, amid calls for international intervention and targeted sanctions against Rwanda.
Recent hostilities erupted in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) just three days after African leaders advocated for a ceasefire, highlighting the fragile nature of peace in the region. Reports indicate that M23 fighters targeted Congolese army positions in South Kivu province, according to local and security sources. The DRC government has classified the M23 group as a terrorist organization, while the United Nations and United States refer to them as an armed rebel group. The DRC accuses Rwanda of backing these rebels, a claim Rwanda disputes.
The renewed violence follows a call from east and southern African leaders for their general staff to devise a plan for an “unconditional” ceasefire. This conflict has displaced thousands and claimed numerous lives. The M23 has swiftly regained control of territories rich in minerals since resuming hostilities in late 2021, particularly after seizing Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, last month.
On Tuesday, clashes occurred near Ihusi village, situated 70 kilometers from Bukavu, the provincial capital, and reports of “detonations of heavy weapons” surfaced from local sources. The Congolese army primarily uses Kavumu airport for troop reinforcements in the region, which has become increasingly tense. In anticipation of an M23 offensive, Bukavu has made provisions for potential conflict, with schools closing and residents fleeing the area amid shop closures.
The M23’s capture of Bukavu would enable them and Rwandan forces to gain full control over Lake Kivu. Concurrently, nearly 300 Congolese soldiers face military court trials for serious charges that include rape, murder, and looting. Although the M23 has claimed to aim for the “liberation of all of Congo,” their recent advances into strategic highland areas have been thwarted by Burundian soldiers supporting the Congolese army.
Amid these developments, the M23 has begun establishing governance in Goma, initiating recruitment efforts for a police force. The humanitarian situation in Goma is deteriorating, with significant water supply issues compelling residents to utilize unsafe water sources. The UN has reported a rise in cholera cases among displaced populations. Despite urgent appeals from the United Nations for humanitarian aid delivery, Goma’s airport remains closed.
The ongoing crisis in eastern DRC is anticipated to be a key agenda item at an upcoming African Union meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. As international calls for de-escalation grow amidst concerns of a potential regional conflict, diplomatic initiatives to resolve the protracted crisis have yielded minimal progress. The DRC has pushed for “targeted sanctions” against Rwanda, asserting that Rwanda seeks to exploit DRC’s natural resources like tantalum and gold.
In addition to the conflict involving the M23, a militia attack in Ituri province led to the deaths of 51 individuals, predominantly displaced persons. This incident was attributed to the Cooperative for the Development of Congo (CODECO), which transitioned from an agricultural group to a militant faction responding to perceived threats from rival ethnic militias. Over three decades of conflicts have severely afflicted the DRC, exacerbating humanitarian challenges.
The situation in eastern DRC remains highly volatile, with recent clashes signifying the escalating conflict between M23 rebels and government forces. As the humanitarian crisis deepens and international scrutiny increases, efforts for a ceasefire and diplomatic resolutions will be critical. Nonetheless, historical grievances and regional dynamics complicate peace efforts, necessitating concerted action from African leaders and the global community to address the multi-faceted crises facing the DRC.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
