Clashes between the Rwandan army and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) in Kibumba, in the province of North Kivu, continue to rage. This escalation of violence is causing serious concern in the region and endangering the stability and territorial integrity of the DRC.
According to the spokesperson for the governor of North Kivu, Colonel Guillaume Ndjike Kaiko, the Rwandan army, under the label of the M23, is trying to occupy the initial positions of the FARDC in Kibumba. In a statement to Radio Okapi, Colonel Ndjike Kaiko affirmed that the FARDC will not let the Rwandan army take control of their positions and that they have the duty to protect the population and national integrity.
These clashes, which have lasted for several days, have provoked heavy artillery fire in the Virunga National Park, endangering the fragile ecosystems of the region. The fighting pits the FARDC against the M23 rebels, as well as other local armed groups, creating real chaos and raising fears of a further escalation of the conflict.
The situation is all the more worrying as the clashes are taking place near the Nyiragongo volcano, a major tourist attraction in the region. Local authorities and international organizations are calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities in order to preserve the safety of civilians and allow authorities to stabilize the situation.
However, despite calls for de-escalation, clashes continue unabated, endangering the lives of many residents in the region. It is imperative that regional and international actors intensify their efforts to find a peaceful solution to this conflict and allow the population to live in peace.
In conclusion, the situation in the North Kivu province of the DRC remains tense, with ongoing clashes between the Rwandan army and the FARDC. It is crucial that the international community intervene quickly to put an end to this violence and guarantee the safety of civilians. The stability of the region and the territorial integrity of the DRC depend on it.