GOMA, Congo — Despite declaring a unilateral ceasefire earlier this week, Rwanda-backed rebels continue to gain ground in eastern Congo, seizing a town just 100 kilometers (60 miles) from Bukavu, the provincial capital. Civil society officials and local residents confirmed the advance on Wednesday.
Goma, still under control of the M23 rebels, remains a hotspot of conflict as fighting escalates along the main route to Bukavu, a key city in South Kivu. The UN’s deputy representative in Congo, Vivian van de Perre, noted that M23 forces are now positioned just 50 kilometers (31 miles) north of Bukavu.
Earlier this week, M23 announced a ceasefire on humanitarian grounds, citing the need for safe passage of aid and protection for displaced populations. However, the Congolese government swiftly rejected the ceasefire, labeling it a “false communication,” while the UN reported heavy clashes with Congolese forces in the region.
All exit routes from Goma, including its airport, are currently controlled by M23 and Rwandan military forces, severely restricting the movement of UN peacekeepers, known as MONUSCO. The UN has expressed grave concern over the potential loss of Kavumu Airport in Bukavu, which is now utilized by Congo’s military.
Local officials, such as Nene Bintou, president of South Kivu’s civil society, confirmed that the town of Nyabibwe, strategically located between Bukavu and Goma, had fallen to the rebels by morning. One resident, Moise Bisimwa, expressed fears for the community’s safety, calling the ceasefire a deceptive tactic.
Congolese authorities also accused the M23 of violating the ceasefire, with claims that Rwandan Defense Forces (RDF) crossed into Nyabibwe, undermining any notion of peace.
The M23, reinforced by approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops, has become one of the most formidable armed groups in eastern Congo, a region rich in valuable minerals. Experts believe Rwanda’s military presence is motivated by a desire to secure access to these resources.
Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame denied direct involvement in the conflict, maintaining that his country would take necessary actions to protect itself. The backdrop of this conflict is rooted in historical ethnic tensions between the Tutsi and Hutu communities, dating back to the 1994 genocide in Rwanda.
In addition to Rwanda’s involvement, neighboring Uganda has also deployed troops within Congo to combat other armed factions, including the Allied Democratic Forces. However, no new Ugandan military deployments have been reported recently.
As M23 rebels continue their advance, Bukavu remains a critical focal point. While they’ve stated that they do not intend to seize the city, tensions remain high as they assert their control over strategic positions.
In Goma, the humanitarian toll is staggering, with nearly 2,000 bodies collected by the Red Cross and over 700 still awaiting recovery. The violence continues to exacerbate an already dire crisis, with thousands displaced and many civilians trapped in the crossfire.
The International Criminal Court’s Office of the Prosecutor has called for further investigations into the atrocities committed in eastern Congo, signaling that accountability efforts will extend to all parties involved.
Source: Swifteradio.com
