The news in the Democratic Republic of Congo is once again marked by clashes between the M23 rebels and pro-government armed groups. In recent days, fighting has resumed in the east of the country, notably in Kibumba, a town located near the city of Goma.
According to information provided by the spokesperson for the Congolese army, a soldier from the regional EAC force lost his life during these clashes. He was reportedly hit by mortar fire in Kibumba. Violence has intensified in recent days, raising serious concerns about the security situation in the region.
Officially, the fighting pits the M23, a rebel group active in the region, against pro-government armed groups. However, questions arise about the participation of the Congolese army in the fighting, despite the declaration of respect for the ceasefire.
In a press release from the governorate in North Kivu, the FARDC, the Congolese army, showed ambiguity by affirming that arrangements had been made to respond to all eventualities after the attack on one of their positions.
In parallel with these clashes, the Congolese government accuses the M23 of having committed a massacre of civilians in the Tongo grouping, causing the death of several dozen people. The M23 disputes these allegations.
Furthermore, an attack attributed to ADF rebels also took place in the locality of Oicha, causing the death of at least 26 civilians. The attackers are said to have looted and killed with knives. The ADF, an armed group originating from Uganda, is suspected of having pledged allegiance to the Islamic State and is now operating in the North Kivu region.
This violence angered residents, who showed their discontent by setting fire to humanitarian vehicles. Above all, they are calling for reinforced security rather than humanitarian aid.
The situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo therefore remains worrying, with persistent clashes between the different armed groups present in the eastern region of the country. The civilian population continues to be the main victim of this violence, suffering both from the fighting and growing insecurity. The Congolese authorities and the international community must redouble their efforts to find a lasting solution to this crisis.