There has been significant fighting between M23 rebels and pro-Congo militias in Nyabiondo, eastern Congo, after a prior attack caused civilian casualties. M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, have taken control of the area amid heavy clashes. They aim to challenge the Congolese government and expand their territorial and financial influence in the region.
On Sunday, residents reported heavy fighting in Nyabiondo, located approximately 100 kilometers north of Goma, between M23 rebels and pro-Congolese militias. This conflict follows a recent attack in the region that resulted in significant civilian casualties, as noted by the United Nations and a non-governmental organization (NGO).
Since the beginning of the year, the Rwanda-backed M23 group has captured large areas of eastern Congo, which is known for its mineral wealth. Kipanda Biiri, a local administrative official, indicated that M23 took control of Nyabiondo around 11 AM (0900 GMT) after intensive clashes.
Telesphore Mitondeke, a civil society rapporteur in the Masisi region, described the situation, stating, “The enemy opened a large-scale assault on Nyabiondo this morning,” adding that gunfire was erupting from multiple directions in the center of the town during the confrontation.
Previous clashes occurred last week in Tambi, northeast of Masisi, leading to severe casualties among civilians. An internal United Nations memo highlighted that between 13 and 40 civilians were confirmed dead from that assault.
In a separate development, a spokesperson for the rebel alliance, which includes the M23, announced on social media that a pro-government militia has defected and joined their ranks. However, a representative from the defunct militia stated that the remaining members are still aligned with the government and its military.
The M23 rebels have expressed ambitions to take power in Congo’s capital, Kinshasa, criticizing the government for failing to honor previous peace agreements and fully integrating Congolese Tutsis into state structures. Their recent territorial gains are also poised to increase their revenue from mining activities, according to analysts.
The ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, particularly in Nyabiondo, highlights the critical situation involving M23 rebels and pro-government militias. The violence has resulted in numerous civilian casualties and territorial shifts that could escalate tensions further, particularly with M23’s ambitions of seizing power in Kinshasa. The geopolitical dynamics, influenced by regional actors such as Rwanda, play a significant role in this complex scenario.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
