Renewed Violence Erupts in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo Amid Humanitarian Crisis

Fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has intensified after a ceasefire appeal from African leaders. M23 rebels attacked Congolese army positions in South Kivu, reigniting longstanding rivalries. The humanitarian crisis in regions like Goma worsens, with health risks rising amid displacements. Diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict remain largely ineffective, and a recent militia attack in Ituri province underlines the broader instability in the country.

Recent hostilities have reignited in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), occurring shortly after an appeal from African leaders for a ceasefire. On Tuesday, the M23 insurgents targeted Congolese army installations in South Kivu province at dawn, as reported by local and security sources. The DRC government describes the M23 as a terrorist organization, while the United Nations and the United States classify them as an armed rebel group amid accusations of Rwandan support for the rebels—claims Rwanda refutes.

The renewed violence follows a consensus among east and southern African leaders, who had instructed military leaders to devise a plan for an “unconditional” ceasefire by Thursday. This ongoing conflict has led to numerous fatalities and the displacement of countless individuals from their homes. The M23 has swiftly taken control of significant regions in resource-rich eastern DRC since rearming in late 2021, intensifying existing tensions that have persisted for decades.

The group commenced its advance within South Kivu following its takeover of Goma, the capital of neighboring North Kivu province, at the end of the previous month. On Tuesday, violent clashes were reported near Ihusi village, located approximately 70 kilometers from Bukavu, the provincial capital, where reports of heavy weapons fire emerged.

Bukavu is bracing for a potential assault by the M23, prompting school closures and shop shutdowns over safety concerns. Banks remain closed, escalating the state’s existing unrest. Should M23 capture Bukavu, they would establish comprehensive control over Lake Kivu along with Rwandan forces, exacerbating the precarious situation.

Amidst these developments, nearly 300 Congolese soldiers face trial on serious charges, including severe crimes. The M23 professes ambitions to “liberate all of Congo” and to oust President Felix Tshisekedi. Recent efforts to cut supply lines for the DRC army in the highlands have been countered by Burundian forces supporting the Congolese military, with around 10,000 Burundian troops reported in South Kivu.

In Goma, which has a population of one million, the M23 has initiated its administrative authority and began recruitment initiatives for a police force. The humanitarian crisis is escalating, with many lacking access to clean water, turning instead to Lake Kivu—which poses health risks due to cholera outbreaks among displaced communities, according to the UN’s humanitarian agency, OCHA.

Current diplomatic engagement remains futile, with underlying issues continuing, including calls for targeted sanctions against Rwanda by the DRC government. DRC accuses Rwanda of seeking to exploit their natural resources, such as tantalum, tin, and gold. In contrast, Rwanda contends its military interventions are meant to counter threats from armed groups.

Additionally, violence persists in Ituri province: a recent attack by a militia from the Lendu ethnic group resulted in the deaths of 51 people, primarily among displaced individuals. The Cooperative for the Development of Congo (CODECO), which evolved from a peaceful agricultural group into a militant organization, targeted victims after a prior assault by a rival militia.

The DRC has faced multifaceted conflicts and uprisings for over three decades, leaving its future uncertain as tensions mount and humanitarian conditions deteriorate further.

In summary, the resurgence of violence in eastern DRC underscores the fragile humanitarian conditions and geopolitical complexities in the region. The involvement of multiple armed groups, exacerbated by shifting territorial dynamics and historical grievances, complicates efforts for peace. The international community’s focus on finding effective resolutions becomes increasingly imperative in the face of escalating conflict and humanitarian crises.

Original Source: www.voanews.com