The fighting between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and the M23 rebels in the south of the Lubero territory is evidence of a situation of persistent conflict that is jeopardizing the stability of the region. For several days, violent clashes have intensified, raising fears of an escalation of violence with dramatic consequences for the civilian populations caught in the heart of this conflict.
The strategic village of Luofu, recently retaken by the Congolese army, is a crucial issue in the region due to its proximity to major communication routes such as Kaseghe and Matembe. This resurgence of tensions comes in a context already marked by sporadic clashes between the FARDC and armed groups operating in eastern DRC.
The fighting is mainly concentrated in Matembe, a disputed stronghold between the FARDC and the M23 rebels, as well as in Kaseghe, Mighobwe and Kibaku, villages where insecurity persists. The offensive launched by the M23 rebels aims to extend their control over strategic areas such as Lubero-Centre, thus jeopardizing regional stability.
Faced with this situation, the FARDC has deployed resistance and mobile defense strategies to contain the rebel advance. However, the persistence of the clashes raises concerns about the effectiveness of the measures taken to guarantee the security of civilian populations and restore order in the region.
Furthermore, the holding of a tripartite summit between Congolese President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi, Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Angolan President João Lourenço in Luanda on 15 December illustrates the gravity of the situation and the need for regional coordination to find lasting solutions to this conflict. This summit demonstrates the willingness of neighbouring countries to engage in constructive dialogue and implement concerted measures to preserve peace and stability in the Great Lakes region.
Ultimately, the fighting in the south of the Lubero territory underlines the urgency of a collective and coordinated response to put an end to the violence and restore security in a region plagued by instability and insecurity. It is up to the Congolese authorities, in consultation with neighbouring countries, to take effective measures to protect civilian populations and work towards lasting peace in eastern DRC.