The M23 rebels struck again, sowing chaos and terror in the chiefdom of Bwito, located in Rutshuru territory, North Kivu. In a series of disorderly shots, M23 fighters targeted the locality of Bukombo, where they have been installed since the beginning of the week.
Unfortunately, these attacks have caused the loss of innocent lives. Two women were killed when shrapnel hit Rushashe IDP camp. Among the victims is a girl aged only six. An older mum injured in the incident was taken to Kabizo Hospital where she sadly succumbed to her injuries.
This sad incident is unfortunately only part of the violence and instability in the Rutshuru region. The M23 rebels continue to reinforce their ranks in men and ammunition, with the aim of extending their hold on other localities in the territories of Nyiragongo, Rutshuru and Masisi.
These deadly attacks come even as a high-level meeting on the pre-cantonment of the M23 rebels was held recently in Goma, in the presence of the EAC (East African Community) facilitator for the security crisis that is shaking the Eastern DRC.
Faced with this escalation of violence, the civilian population is once again trapped, with displaced families and people living in constant fear of rebel raids.
It is urgent that concrete and effective measures be taken to put an end to this violence and guarantee the safety of civilians in the Rutshuru region and throughout eastern DRC. The international community must mobilize and support efforts aimed at ending this crisis, which has persisted for too long.
It is also essential to strengthen the means of surveillance and to alert the competent authorities at the first signs of suspicious activities in risk areas. The presence of human rights defenders in these regions is also crucial to document the abuses committed and contribute to the search for justice for the victims.
It is time to end impunity and work together to build lasting peace in eastern DRC. The Congolese people deserve a better future, where they can live in safety and dignity. Let these barbaric M23 attacks be the last dark chapter in the history of this troubled region.
References :
– Article: The M23 rebels strike again in the chiefdom of Bwito. Available at: (article link)
– Article: High-level meeting on the pre-cantonment of M23 rebels in Goma. Available at: (article link)
– Article: The escalation of terror of the M23 in North Kivu. Available at: (article link)
– Article: Call for mobilization to preserve democracy and national unity in the face of the tragic assassination of a Congolese MP. Available at: (article link)
– Article: Debate on the national anthem in the DRC and its controversial meaning. Available at: (article link)
– Article: The consequences of the court case of embezzlement that is shaking the Congolese political scene. Available at: (article link)
– Article: New questions about the nationality of Congolese MP Mwangachuchu