The security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly in the east of the region, continues to deteriorate over time. This deterioration persists despite the absence of any confrontation between the army and the Armed Forces of the M23 rebellion. Indeed, the M23 is accused of regularly sowing insecurity in several controlled areas, in particular those of Rutshuru and Masisi, where it holds vast territories.
The growing insecurity due to the M23 is more than just a rumour, and the numbers speak for themselves. “The M23 continues to sow insecurity, it has thus killed at least 47 civilians in North Kivu during the recent period”, underlined the Under-Secretary-General for Africa, Martha Pobee, before the Security Council .
The ceasefire, which has been in effect since March between the army and the M23, has allowed a “relative calm” in Rutshuru which has given the possibility of some displaced people to return there. According to Martha Pobee, the ceasefire has held so far, but the M23 continues to maintain its position in several towns, including the territories of Rutshuru, Masisi and Nyiragongo.
Eastern DRC is facing a serious humanitarian crisis due to the persistence of the activism of these armed groups. Several provinces, including those of North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri, have had around 6.3 million people displaced since March 2022.
Overall, the security situation remains worrying in the eastern region of the DRC. Measures must be taken urgently to change this situation and ensure the safety of the affected populations.