Renewed Fighting Erupts in South Kivu, DRC, Amidst Humanitarian Crisis
Renewed fighting in South Kivu, DRC, pits government troops against the M23 rebel group, allegedly supported by Rwandan forces. The violence has escalated, resulting in a staggering civilian death toll, with at least 2,800 casualties reported. Diplomatic efforts are being planned amid growing concerns over human rights violations and regional stability ahead of a key summit.
Fighting has resumed in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where government forces and allies engaged the M23 rebel group, alleged to be supported by Rwandan troops, in the mining town of Nyabibwe. Congolese government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya reported that the M23 had violated a ceasefire it declared on February 3, 2025, prompting renewed military confrontation early Wednesday in the Kalehe territory near Nyabibwe, a key commercial area for mineral extraction.
The Congolese authorities claimed that Rwandan forces reinforced the M23 by crossing the border into Goma. This resurgence of conflict threatens the stability of Goma, which recently fell into rebel control, and places Nyabibwe closer to Bukavu, the provincial capital, despite the M23’s previous statements indicating they would not capture the city.
Corneille Nangaa, head of the coalition including M23, confirmed the group’s advance into Nyabibwe and stated, “They attacked us and we defended ourselves”. Meanwhile, an international arrest warrant for Nangaa has been issued for allegations of war crimes and treason by a Congolese military court.
The civilian toll from the ongoing skirmishes is dire, especially in Goma, where conflict resulted in overwhelming casualties and destruction. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), at least 2,800 civilian fatalities have been reported, with ongoing assessments of the situation proving challenging.
In response to the humanitarian crisis, the International Criminal Court is closely monitoring developments for potential war crimes. The International Committee of the Red Cross reported looting of medical supplies in Goma, severely impacting health services. Bishop Willy Ngumbi called for diplomatic talks with neighboring countries to avert further conflict escalation.
Domestic political discussions are underway in Kinshasa, with lawmakers holding an extraordinary session to address the ongoing crisis before a summit set for the weekend in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Heads of state from the East African Community and Southern African Development Community will attend, including Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame and DRC President Felix Tshisekedi, focusing on regional security and stability amid accusations against Rwanda of exploiting mineral resources through M23 support.
Additionally, a special session of the UN Human Rights Council is scheduled for Friday to assess the crisis, prompted by the DRC government’s request. The situation remains fluid as regional tensions continue to rise, calling for urgent international attention and intervention to protect civilians and restore peace.
The DRC has been plagued by conflict, particularly in the eastern regions, due to various armed groups vying for control over valuable mineral resources. The M23 rebel group, originally formed in 2012, has re-emerged as a significant threat, particularly in light of allegations of support from Rwanda, which has long been accused of interference in Congolese affairs. The ongoing instability has not only led to military confrontations but also profound humanitarian crises, with civilian populations bearing the brunt of the violence.
In summary, the situation in South Kivu is dire as clashes between Congolese forces and the M23 rebel group resurge, exacerbated by alleged Rwandan support. The humanitarian toll is staggering, with thousands of casualties reported. Regional leaders are convening to address the escalating crisis, which has drawn international attention and concern for immediate humanitarian assistance and conflict resolution.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
