Escalating Conflict in Nyabiondo: M23 Rebels Target Pro-Congo Militias
Heavy fighting has erupted in Nyabiondo between M23 rebels and pro-Congo militias, with the rebels reportedly seizing control of the area. Recent violence in neighboring Tambi resulted in significant civilian casualties. The M23 group, backed by Rwanda, aims to expand its influence and power in eastern Congo as it continues to engage with government forces and neighboring militias.
Intense conflict erupted on Sunday in Nyabiondo, located approximately 100 kilometers north of Goma in eastern Congo, between M23 rebels and pro-Congo militias. This violence follows a recent attack that resulted in significant civilian casualties, as reported by the United Nations and local NGOs. The M23 group, supported by Rwanda, has captured substantial areas in the mineral-rich eastern Congo since the beginning of this year.
According to Kipanda Biiri, a local administrative official who fled the area, “M23 has taken Nyabiondo since 11 am (0900 GMT), following clashes.” Additionally, Telesphore Mitondeke, a civil society rapporteur, stated that “the enemy opened a large-scale assault on Nyabiondo this morning,” with ongoing shooting reported from multiple directions in the town’s center.
This outbreak of violence is a continuation of previous engagements, particularly a conflict in the village of Tambi, which occurred last week and led to numerous civilian fatalities. An internal memo from the United Nations indicated that the attack on March 5 resulted in the deaths of between 13 and 40 civilians.
In a separate development, a spokesperson for the rebel alliance, which includes M23, announced that a pro-government militia had defected and joined their ranks. However, the previous militia group asserted that most of its members remained loyal to the Congolese government.
M23 rebels have expressed their intent to capture power in Congo’s capital, Kinshasa, citing grievances regarding the government’s failure to adhere to prior peace agreements and the integration of Congolese Tutsis into state institutions. Analysts have noted that the group’s expansion into additional mineral-rich territories may enhance their potential to generate mining revenues.
The situation in eastern Congo, particularly in Nyabiondo, remains critical as M23 rebels engage in fierce battles against pro-Congo militias. Following significant civilian casualties in prior conflicts, M23’s strategies and territorial gains highlight their ambitions for power in the region and necessitate attention from international observers. The recent militia defections may further complicate the dynamics of the ongoing conflict.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
