Fighting continues in eastern Congo’s Nyabiondo amid clashes between M23 rebels and pro-government militias following a deadly attack on civilians. M23 has captured significant territory, seeking to gain control and revenue from mineral-rich regions. The DRC government accuses Rwanda of supporting the rebels, while the rebels demand better integration of Congolese Tutsis in governance.
Fighting persists in Nyabiondo, eastern Congo, as clashes between M23 rebels and pro-Congo militias continued on Sunday, occurring approximately 100 kilometers north of Goma. This escalation follows a tragic attack on civilians that resulted in numerous fatalities, as reported by both the United Nations and a local NGO. The M23 group has seized control of extensive areas in mineral-rich eastern Congo since the onset of the current year.
Kipanda Biiri, a local administrative authority official, reported to Reuters that M23 had gained control of Nyabiondo by 11 a.m. (local time). Telesphore Mitondeke, a civil society rapporteur, described the situation, stating, “The enemy opened a large-scale assault on Nyabiondo this morning,” noting that heavy gunfire was ongoing from various directions in the town’s center.
The recent confrontations were preceded by clashes near Tambi, located about 18 kilometers northeast of Masisi, culminating in a deadly attack over the night of March 5. As per a local NGO head, this incident resulted in significant civilian casualties, with an internal UN memo estimating between 13 and 40 deaths.
A spokesperson for the alliance that includes M23 stated on social media that a pro-government militia operating in the region had defected to their alliance, however, the spokesperson for that militia refuted this, asserting their loyalty to the Congolese government.
The M23 rebels have publicly declared ambitions to seize power in Kinshasa, citing grievances regarding the government’s failure to honor peace agreements and integrate Congolese Tutsis into the military and administrative roles. Experts note that the rebels’ expansion into additional mineral-rich regions enhances their access to mining revenues.
The DRC government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting the M23, a claim that Rwanda denies, while also alleging that the DRC collaborates with the FDLR, a Hutu armed group. The DRC has classified M23 as a terrorist organization, differing from the UN and U.S. designations of it as an armed rebel group.
The ongoing clashes in Nyabiondo illustrate the complex and escalating conflict involving M23 rebels and pro-Congo militias in eastern Congo, exacerbated by significant civilian casualties. The M23’s expansion into strategic areas increases concerns over regional stability, entangled in accusations of foreign intervention and internal strife. The international community must monitor the situation closely, as the implications could extend beyond the immediate region.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
