DRC: Congolese army push back M23 rebels from eastern regions
The Congolese Army have successfully pushed back the M23 rebels from eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), yielding significant military gains for the government.
Africa News reported on January 13th that the Congolese army recaptured several key towns in both the North and South Kivu provinces, some of which have been occupied by rebel forces for months.
The National reported that an army spokesperson said: “They (the rebels) have seen their adventure come to a halt by the FARDC (Congolese security forces).”
Eastern Congo has been in conflict for decades with more than 100 armed groups vying for control of the resource-rich region bordering Rwanda.
The M23 movement, a Tutsi rebel group, are one of the most powerful rebel groups in the region and are believed to be supported by Rwanda – a claim which they deny.
Over the past several weeks, fighting between the Congolese army and the M23 rebels has intensified, with the international community raising concerns regarding the humanitarian impact of the violence, particularly in vulnerable populations displaced by the conflict.
According to The National, the conflict has created one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises with more than seven million people displaced, including 100,000 who have fled their homes this year.
The National also interviewed Nsabimana Alexis, a resident of North Kivu who said, “we continue to suffer”, despite being in government held territory.
Civilians in eastern Congo are stuck in a seemingly perpetual cycle of violence as the humanitarian situation continues to grow more dire, the possibility of peace appearing distant.
Africa News, The National
