Violent clashes have erupted in Nyabiondo, eastern Congo, as M23 rebels launch attacks against pro-Congo militias. The conflict ensues after significant civilian casualties were reported from a recent assault. M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, aim to expand their control over mineral-rich regions while leveling accusations against the Congolese government for failing to uphold peace accords.
Fighting erupted on Sunday between M23 rebels and pro-Congo militias in Nyabiondo, located approximately 100 kilometers north of Goma, as confirmed by local residents. This conflict follows a recent attack that reportedly resulted in significant civilian casualties, as noted by both the United Nations and a non-governmental organization.
The Rwanda-supported M23 group has captured extensive areas in eastern Congo, rich in minerals, since the onset of 2023. According to Kipanda Biiri, a local administrative official who was fleeing the area, M23 successfully took control of Nyabiondo at 11 AM local time following intense clashes.
Telesphore Mitondeke, a representative of civil society in Masisi, stated, “The enemy opened a large-scale assault on Nyabiondo this morning.” He described the situation in Nyabiondo as chaotic, with shooting occurring from multiple directions.
This current escalation follows earlier confrontations the previous week in Tambi, which is located about 18 kilometers northeast of Masisi. Those skirmishes ended with a significant assault that left between 13 and 40 civilians dead, according to a confidential UN memo.
On the same day, a spokesperson for the coalition including M23 announced on X that a pro-government militia had defected and aligned itself with their group. However, the spokesperson for the militia’s original affiliation stated that the majority of their group remained loyal to the Congolese government and its forces.
M23 rebels have articulated aspirations to assume power in Kinshasa, the capital of Congo. They accuse the government of failing to fulfill prior peace agreements and of not properly integrating Congolese Tutsis into the army and civil service. Analysts suggest that the rebels’ advancements into mineral-rich territories this year may enhance their access to mining revenues.
The ongoing conflict in Nyabiondo reflects the intensifying struggle between M23 rebels and pro-Congolese government militias. Recent clashes have resulted in civilian fatalities and illustrate the broader instability affecting eastern Congo. M23’s territorial gains may further fuel their ambitions while highlighting the government’s challenges in maintaining control and fulfilling peace agreements.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
