Title: “The persistence of fighting between the army and the M23 in the DRC: an alarming situation in the east of the country”
Introduction: The east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a region plagued by violent clashes between the army and the M23 rebel movement for almost two years. This fighting, which has intensified in recent days, is having serious repercussions on the civilian population and is causing growing international concern.
An explosive device near a primary school: On Friday, February 2, the situation reached an alarming threat level when an explosive device fell near a primary school in the Mugunga district, on the outskirts of the city of Goma . This terrorist act caused panic among residents, leaving two people injured and causing significant material damage. According to initial reports, the bomb was fired by the Rwandan army and their M23 allies from Kagano Hill. This deliberate attack against civilians shows the extent of the violence of which rebel forces are capable.
Incessant fighting: Clashes between the Congolese army and the M23 are incessant in the province of North Kivu. Many villages are the scene of violence and massive population displacements. Recently, fighting took place in the territory of Masisi, about forty kilometers west of Goma. Civil society in Massisi reports clashes on several hills south of Saké, on the Bukavu axis. The city of Mweso was also the scene of violent fighting, with a sad toll of more than ten deaths last week.
A worrying humanitarian crisis: The continued fighting in the North Kivu region has dramatic consequences on the civilian population. Civilians are taken hostage between the armed forces and the rebels, and are often victims of violence, looting and abuses. Forced displacement is commonplace, with thousands of people forced to flee fighting and seek refuge in precarious conditions. Access to humanitarian aid is also hampered, further worsening the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Conclusion: The persistent fighting between the Congolese army and the M23 in the North Kivu province of the DRC is a growing source of concern. Attacks on civilians, like the one near a primary school, show the cruelty and brutality of the forces involved. It is essential that the international community intervene quickly to put an end to this violence and help find a peaceful and lasting solution to this crisis which is hitting the population of eastern DRC hard.