Ongoing clashes in eastern DRC between M23 rebels and pro-government militias have resulted in several civilian casualties. Local officials report M23’s takeover of Nyabiondo amidst claims of a militia switching allegiances. Accusations of external support fuel tensions further, with the DRC designating M23 as a terrorist organization.
Renewed fighting has erupted in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) between M23 rebels and pro-Congo militias, particularly in Nyabiondo, situated approximately 100 kilometers north of Goma. This escalation follows a recent attack that resulted in a significant civilian death toll, as reported by both the United Nations and a local NGO.
Local officials report that M23 has seized control of Nyabiondo amid ongoing clashes. Kipanda Biiri, a local administrative authority fleeing the violence, stated, “M23 has taken Nyabiondo since 11 a.m. [local time], following clashes.” Telesphore Mitondeke, a civil society member, described the situation in Nyabiondo as chaotic, with shooting occurring from multiple directions.
The confrontations arrived after previous clashes in Tambi, a nearby village, where an attack on March 5th resulted in numerous civilian casualties. An internal UN memo indicated that casualties from the Tambi attack ranged between 13 and 40 civilians. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the M23 stated that a local pro-government militia had defected to their side, though other commanders reaffirmed their loyalty to the Congolese government.
M23 rebels express ambitions for power in Kinshasa, accusing the government of failing to honor previous peace agreements. Analysts note that their expansion into resource-rich territories could increase their mining revenue.
The DRC government has consistently accused Rwanda of supporting M23 forces, a claim that Rwanda has denied. Conversely, Rwanda alleges that the DRC collaborates with the FDLR, a group associated with the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The DRC has officially classified M23 as a terrorist organization, while international entities such as the UN and the US regard it as an armed rebel group.
In summary, the ongoing violence in eastern DRC highlights the volatile dynamics involving the M23 rebels and pro-Congolese militias, exacerbated by external allegations of support from Rwanda. The situation calls for immediate attention, as the humanitarian crisis deepens following recent civilian casualties. Furthermore, the positioning of M23 in mineral-rich areas poses significant implications for the region’s stability and resource control.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
