M23 rebels claim that North Kivu governor Maj. Gen. Peter Chirimwami was killed in recent clashes in Kasengezi. The group threatens self-defense actions against perceived support for what they label ‘genocidal groups.’ Recent fighting has led to the displacement of thousands from the provincial capital, Goma, amid accusations of Rwandan backing for the rebels, which Rwanda denies.
The M23 rebel group announced the death of Maj. Gen. Peter Chirimwami, the governor of North Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo, during recent hostilities. According to M23 spokesman Lawrence Kanyuka, Chirimwami was killed in Kasengezi while purportedly visiting the front lines. Kanyuka emphasized the group’s intention to exercise its right to self-defense, particularly in the face of perceived threats from the United Nations and the South African Development Community (SADC) regarding their stance against M23 and its objectives.
The M23 rebel faction has been engaged in heightened conflict in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly since reigniting its insurgency in 2022. The violence has led to significant dislocation, with thousands of individuals fleeing the provincial capital, Goma. The group claims to defend the rights of minority Congolese Tutsis, who allege discrimination due to their ethnic heritage linked to the Rwandan Tutsi community, amid accusations that neighboring Rwanda supports the rebels, claims that Rwanda has consistently denied.
In conclusion, the recent announcement of Maj. Gen. Peter Chirimwami’s death marks a critical moment in the ongoing conflict between M23 rebels and government forces in North Kivu. The situation has prompted renewed scrutiny on the involvement of international entities like the UN and SADC and raises further questions regarding Rwanda’s alleged support for the rebels. The humanitarian impact of the conflict continues to be significant, with thousands seeking refuge due to the escalating violence.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
