Intense clashes have erupted in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) as anti-government fighters from the M23 group face off against the Congolese armed forces. This surge in violence centers around the control of Nzibira, a gold mining town, amid ongoing efforts for peace facilitated by the United States and Qatar. Tensions have escalated despite a recent peace accord signed between DR Congo’s government and neighboring Rwanda in late June.
The eastern region of the DR Congo, which borders Rwanda and is abundant in natural resources, has been plagued by conflict for over thirty years. The instability reached a critical peak earlier this year when Rwandan-backed M23 forces seized significant cities, including Goma and Bukavu, during intense skirmishes in January and February.
Both the M23 and government forces have accused one another of undermining peace efforts and violating terms established in the aforementioned accord. The M23 claims it must act in “self-defense” against attacks from the Congolese military, which has asserted its right to retaliate against any aggression.
In recent months, sporadic violence in the North and South Kivu provinces had hinted at a temporary lull, yet humanitarian organizations and the United Nations have reported severe violations against civilians in areas controlled by the M23, including murder, kidnapping, and sexual violence.
Reports indicate that just days ago, the Congolese army faced multiple assaults from M23 fighters, leading to claims from both sides about the use of drone warfare. The latest development sees the M23 asserting control over Nzibira after fierce combat with local militia aligned with the armed forces, known as “wazalendo.”
A local nurse, speaking anonymously from a hospital in Nzibira, described the presence of M23 fighters in the town, noting that they “do not disturb anyone and don’t speak to us,” suggesting a tense but cautious atmosphere.
Observers are now awaiting a potential M23 offensive aimed at Uvira, a city in South Kivu that houses about 500,000 people and is currently under the control of the Congolese army along with pro-government militias. Security forces have reported that Burundi’s military is increasing its presence at the border, potentially hinting at broader regional implications in response to the conflict.
