M23 rebels have resumed hostilities against the Congolese army in South Kivu, ending a brief respite in fighting. Following recent reports from the UN, casualties have exceeded 2,900 since January, with around 700,000 displaced by violence. The rebels seek to advance towards Bukavu and have been accused of forcibly returning refugees to conflict zones, which they deny, claiming return is voluntary.
Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have attacked Congolese government forces in South Kivu province, marking the end of a two-day period of decreased hostilities. Fighting erupted on Tuesday morning, following a summit where East and Southern African leaders had advocated for an immediate ceasefire. The M23 has made significant territorial gains in eastern DR Congo, including control of Goma and advancing towards Bukavu, the provincial capital.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in approximately 2,900 fatalities since January, according to the latest figures from the United Nations. Additionally, an estimated 700,000 individuals have been displaced by the violence, with many others reported injured. The fighting resumed near Ihusi, roughly 70 kilometers from Bukavu, suggesting an escalation in hostilities in the region.
Lawrence Kanyuka, a spokesperson for the Congo River Alliance, indicated that rebel forces might extend their campaign towards Bukavu. This statement followed the Congolese authorities’ arrest of 84 army personnel for crimes against civilians in the area. Kanyuka asserted, “If these crimes persist, we will take full responsibility to eradicate the threat at its source and protect our people.”
Amidst the turmoil, reports have surfaced claiming that numerous refugees, displaced by the conflict, are being compelled to return to their homes by the M23. While the M23 has refuted these allegations, it has been reported that camps for displaced individuals have been dismantled, forcing inhabitants back to conflict zones. The UN’s Ocha reported that the M23 demanded individuals in Goma return home within 72 hours, a claim that Kanyuka described as “propaganda.”
The M23, consisting primarily of ethnic Tutsis, asserts that it fights for minority rights, while the Congolese government accuses the rebels of aiming to seize control over the rich mineral resources of eastern DR Congo. There are ongoing accusations against Rwanda, a neighboring country, for its support of the M23, which the Rwandan government continues to deny while recently acknowledging a security concern regarding the escalating violence near its border.
The recent rebel attacks in DR Congo illustrate the fragile situation in South Kivu, as M23 forces have resumed fighting after a brief lull. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties and displacements, raising serious humanitarian concerns. As the rebels advance towards key locations, both local and international stakeholders remain engaged in discussions regarding a potential ceasefire and the complex interplay of ethnic, political, and economic factors involved in this ongoing crisis.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
