We often tend to think that the news is limited to world events, political facts or media scandals. But it is important not to forget that the news also concerns more local events, which can have a significant impact on the lives of populations.
This is the case of the recent attack perpetrated by rebels in the province of North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo. At least 19 people lost their lives when rebels bombarded the town of Mweso, dropping mortar shells indiscriminately. This attack also left 27 civilians injured.
The town of Mweso found itself deserted while most of its residents took refuge at the Mweso General Hospital. The attack was attributed to the M23 rebel group, which rose to prominence 10 years ago when it took control of Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo, on the border with Rwanda. The M23 group refers to a peace agreement of March 23, 2009, which it accuses the government of not having implemented.
This attack is unfortunately not an isolated incident. United Nations experts warned last year that attacks by M23 fighters have become more frequent, longer and more violent, and that the territory under the group’s control has significantly increased, leading to the mass displacement of civilians. and indiscriminate bombing. M23 fighters also “deliberately killed civilians” and attacked United Nations peacekeeping forces.
This situation illustrates the ongoing problem of violence in eastern Congo, where more than 120 groups are fighting for power, territory and valuable mineral resources, while others try to defend their communities. The security crisis was a major issue during the recent presidential elections in the DRC, where President Félix Tshisekedi was re-elected with a promise to end the violence.
Tshisekedi accuses Rwanda of destabilizing the DRC by supporting the M23 rebels. UN experts have linked the rebels to Rwandan forces, although Rwanda denies supporting them.
It’s important to follow these local events and highlight them because they have a huge impact on the lives of the people who are directly affected by them. They also emphasize the need to seek lasting solutions to end the violence in this troubled region of Congo.