M23 rebels continue to sow chaos and terror in the chiefdom of Bwito, in Rutshuru territory, North Kivu. A new attack perpetrated on Tuesday morning caused the massive displacement of populations to the neighboring villages of Katsiru and Mweso. The inhabitants are trapped in violence and fear, while the M23 does not hesitate to violate ceasefire agreements by setting up new positions.
According to the testimonies of Isaac Kibira, deputy delegate official of the governor in the chiefdom of Bwito, the rebels of the M23 entered the region through several access points. Once they arrived in Bukombo, they opened fire, sowing panic among the population. While no casualties have been reported at this stage, a nearby village chief has been abducted by the rebels, raising serious concerns about his fate.
Unfortunately, this is not the first M23 attack in the region. Already in 2022, the rebels had committed serious massacres in Kishishe and Bambo, leading to the death of hundreds of civilians. The Congolese authorities then seized the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate these human rights violations.
Faced with this escalation of violence, Isaac Kibira calls on the Congolese army to go on the offensive and chase the M23 rebels from the region. He denounces their indifference to the agreements signed and underlines the dramatic consequences for the thousands of displaced people who now live in precarious conditions.
For the moment, the Congolese army has not yet communicated on this new attack. However, it claims to be ready to intervene if necessary and is stepping up its efforts to restore stability in the region. Last week, the M23 rebels have already committed a series of killings in the chiefdom of Bwito in retaliation for attacks by militiamen.
It is urgent that concrete measures be taken to put an end to the violence of the M23 and to protect the civilian population. It is also necessary to strengthen international cooperation to support the Democratic Republic of the Congo in its fight against the armed groups which continue to sow chaos in the east of the country