Dozens Killed in Eastern Congo Amid Clashes as Government and Rwanda-Backed Rebels Exchange Blame
At least dozens of civilians have been reported killed in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following a deadly outbreak of violence in a region long plagued by conflict. The bloodshed has reignited tensions between the Congolese government and the M23 rebel group, which is widely believed to be supported by neighboring Rwanda—a claim Rwanda continues to deny.
The latest violence erupted in North Kivu province, where fighting between government forces and M23 rebels has intensified over the past week. Eyewitnesses and local officials report that entire villages were caught in the crossfire, with bodies found in homes and along rural roads. Humanitarian organizations operating in the region have described the situation as dire, with hundreds of families fleeing into surrounding forests or seeking refuge in already overcrowded displacement camps.
While the Congolese military blames the massacre on the M23 rebels, accusing them of targeting civilians in areas under government control, the rebel group has denied responsibility and instead pointed fingers at government troops, alleging indiscriminate shelling and human rights abuses.
The M23 (March 23 Movement), a rebel group that re-emerged in late 2021 after years of dormancy, has been steadily advancing across eastern Congo, capturing key towns and strategic routes. Kinshasa has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supplying arms and troops to the rebels—a charge echoed by United Nations experts in previous reports. Kigali, however, insists it has no direct involvement in the conflict and accuses the DRC of harboring hostile militias opposed to Rwanda’s government.
This latest tragedy adds to the worsening humanitarian crisis in the region. The UN estimates that more than 7 million people have been displaced across the DRC, with nearly 2.5 million in North Kivu alone. The escalating conflict continues to hinder aid delivery, and international organizations warn that without urgent intervention, the situation could spiral further out of control.
Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions have stalled, with recent peace talks failing to produce a sustainable ceasefire. Regional blocs such as the East African Community (EAC) and the African Union (AU) have called for restraint and renewed negotiations, but progress has been minimal amid deep-seated mistrust.
The international community, including the United Nations and the United States, has urged both the Congolese government and Rwanda to de-escalate and commit to a peaceful resolution. However, with violence continuing to spread, prospects for peace remain uncertain.
As the DRC prepares for national elections and struggles with broader instability, the security crisis in the east threatens to overshadow democratic processes and deepen regional hostilities.
Source : Swifteradio.com
