Congo Disputes M23 Rebels’ Ceasefire Amidst Ongoing Conflict and Casualties
The Congolese government dismissed the M23 rebels’ ceasefire announcement as “false communication” amid continued fighting in eastern Congo. As casualties rise, including reported mass graves, the government demands the rebels’ withdrawal. Meanwhile, the U.N. emphasizes the need for humanitarian support and highlights the regional implications of the ongoing conflict.
The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has described the unilateral ceasefire declared by M23 rebels as “false communication.” This declaration comes amidst ongoing reports of significant fighting in eastern Congo, particularly with Congolese government forces. The M23 announced the ceasefire to facilitate humanitarian assistance and address the plight of displaced individuals, yet government officials demand the rebels’ withdrawal as a priority.
Last week, M23 rebels seized control of Goma, a city with a population of two million, which is strategically located in a mineral-rich area. Reports suggest that M23 is also advancing towards other locations, including Bukavu in South Kivu. U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric confirmed heavy fighting in South Kivu yet noted no reports of M23 approaching Bukavu.
According to U.N. experts, M23 is supported by approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops, an increase from their previous strength in 2012, when they briefly controlled Goma before retreating under international pressure. The M23 rebels are now the most formidable among over 100 armed groups in eastern Congo, an area critical to global technology due to its vast mineral deposits.
Congo’s government remains open to negotiations to resolve the conflict but insists that these discussions must adhere to existing peace agreements, which Rwanda and the rebels claim Congo has neglected. Upcoming regional talks in Tanzania will address the ongoing crisis.
Congo’s interior minister, Jacquemain Shabani, reported a rising casualty figure, claiming up to 2,000 individuals have perished, with some bodies interred in mass graves attributed to actions by what he termed the “Rwandan occupation army.” Meanwhile, the World Health Organization has reported at least 900 fatalities from the recent Goma conflict.
Local residents continue to mourn their losses; Elisha Dunia detailed the tragic conditions in which victims were buried, expressing profound sorrow over the violence. Debors Zuzu, who lost three family members, similarly expressed the desperate need for peace, asserting that continued conflict renders leadership meaningless.
Bruno Lemarquis, the U.N. humanitarian coordinator for Congo, urged the urgent reopening of Goma’s airport, emphasizing its necessity for evacuating the injured and delivering aid.
The Democratic Republic of Congo faces dire challenges with the ongoing conflict between government forces and M23 rebels, leading to substantial civilian casualties and humanitarian crises. The Congolese government remains firm in its stance regarding the ceasefire declared by the M23 rebels while pursuing dialogue based on prior agreements. Calls for peace persist from the affected communities as regional leaders engage in discussions to address the conflict.
Original Source: apnews.com
