Conflict continues to rage in North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with fighting intensifying in recent days, moving dangerously close to Goma, the provincial capital. The clashes pit the M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda according to the Congolese authorities and the United Nations, against the pro-government armed groups, allied to the Congolese army.
Despite the existence of a ceasefire officially in force in the area, it is now widely flouted by all parties involved. Fighting has particularly intensified around Kibumba, where fierce clashes have taken place over the past three days.
The Congolese army has not yet reacted officially, but it has repeatedly affirmed that it respects the ceasefire. However, observations on the ground contradict this statement, with military aircraft flying over Goma and reports of fighting involving both rebels, armed groups and Congolese soldiers.
The presence of East African troops, deployed since November 2022 to try to bring peace to eastern DRC, has not succeeded in putting an end to the violence. Although they did not participate directly in the fighting, they unfortunately suffered a human loss when a mortar hit their camp in Kibumba.
The situation in North Kivu remains worrying, with multiple open fronts and armed state and non-state actors continuing to clash. Despite the efforts of regional and international stakeholders to resolve the conflict, peace still seems far from being achieved.
It is essential to underline the devastating impact of this fighting on the civilian population, which is already suffering the consequences of decades of conflict. The humanitarian situation in the region is alarming, with thousands of people displaced and essential infrastructure destroyed.
It is crucial that the international community intensify its efforts to find a lasting solution to this conflict and to support the affected populations. The search for true and lasting peace in North Kivu must remain an absolute priority.