Faith Nyasuguta
After a two-day pause, hostilities have reignited in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). On Tuesday, M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwanda, launched attacks on Congolese armed forces’ positions in South Kivu province. The clashes erupted near Ihusi, approximately 70 kilometers from Bukavu, the provincial capital, with local sources reporting heavy weapon fire.
In response, the Congolese army dispatched reinforcements toward Kavumu, home to the province’s main military base and airport. The resurgence of violence has heightened tensions in Bukavu, where schools closed, residents fled, and businesses shuttered in anticipation of potential attacks.
This escalation follows the M23’s recent capture of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, in late January. After seizing Goma, the rebels declared a unilateral ceasefire, which has since been violated. The M23 has begun establishing its own administration in Goma, initiating recruitment drives, including efforts to form a police force.
The renewed fighting comes despite calls from East and Southern African leaders for an “immediate and unconditional” ceasefire, fearing the conflict could spill over into neighboring countries. The M23, which claims to protect ethnic Tutsis, resumed its insurgency in late 2021 and has since rapidly gained control over resource-rich territories in eastern DRC.
The situation has led to a significant humanitarian crisis. The United Nations reports that over 110,000 people have been displaced due to the conflict, with many forced to leave displacement camps and return to their villages under rebel pressure. This forced movement has exacerbated the already dire conditions for those affected.
The international community has expressed concern over the escalating violence. Analysts warn that the rebellion could potentially widen into a regional war, drawing in neighboring countries. The dynamics of the conflict, including ethnic tensions and regional interests, pose significant challenges to diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the crisis.
In Bukavu, the threat of an M23 offensive has led to heightened security measures. The city has been preparing for a potential attack for several days, with schools closing and residents fleeing in anticipation. The situation remains tense as the Congolese army bolsters its defenses in the region.
The resurgence of conflict in eastern DRC shows the fragility of peace efforts in the region. The rapid territorial gains by the M23 and the subsequent humanitarian crisis highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive and sustained response from both regional and international actors to address the root causes of the conflict and to support the affected populations.
As the situation continues to evolve, the people of eastern DRC remain caught in the crossfire, bearing the brunt of a conflict that shows little sign of abating.
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