M23 fighters resume attacks in DR Congo after two-day pause

The Resurgence of M23 Rebel Attacks in Eastern DRC
The M23 rebel group has reignited violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), launching fresh attacks on government forces near the village of Ihusi, located 40 kilometers from the strategic Kavumu military airport and 70 kilometers from Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province. The M23, which claims to represent the interests of ethnic Tutsis, has been advancing into South Kivu after seizing control of Goma, the capital of North Kivu, in a brutal offensive last month. Despite calls for an immediate ceasefire from 24 regional leaders, the rebels have continued their aggressive push, deepening fears among local residents and raising concerns about regional instability.

The city of Bukavu, a key target for the M23, has been bracing for an imminent attack. Schools were closed, and shops shuttered as residents fled in anticipation of violence. Al Jazeera’s Malcolm Webb reported that the city’s residents were anxiously awaiting news of whether the M23, allegedly backed by Rwanda, would succeed in advancing on Bukavu. Meanwhile, in a displacement camp west of Goma, fleeing civilians claimed that an M23 colonel had ordered them to vacate the site within three days. The M23 denied these allegations, stating that the displacement was voluntary and that residents were returning to “liberated areas.” However, many of those affected had been living in the camp for up to two years and were uncertain about the safety or existence of their former homes.

A Growing Displacement Crisis
The escalation of violence in eastern DRC has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation. The United Nations estimates that 6.7 million people have been displaced within the country, primarily from North and South Kivu provinces, where insecurity has spiraled since the M23’s resurgence in 2021. This year alone, over 500,000 people have been forced to flee their homes, overwhelming displacement camps that are ill-equipped to handle the influx. The UN also reported that clashes between the M23 and Congolese forces in Goma left nearly 3,000 people dead, underscoring the devastating toll of the conflict on civilians.

The displacement camps, already stretched to the limit, are struggling to provide basic necessities to those seeking refuge. Many of those who fled the Bulengo camp near Goma expressed uncertainty about their future, with some opting to wait and see if they would be forced to leave, while others began the arduous journey to safer areas. The situation highlights the broader humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region, as families are torn from their homes and left vulnerable to further violence and exploitation.

Regional Leaders Call for Ceasefire Amid Escalating Tensions
As the violence intensifies, regional and international leaders have urged for an immediate end to hostilities. On Saturday, 24 East and Southern African leaders issued a joint statement demanding an “immediate and unconditional” ceasefire within five days, citing fears that the conflict could spill over into neighboring countries. The DRC government has accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels and looting the country’s vast natural resources, including rare earth minerals. Rwanda, however, has categorically denied these allegations, with its ambassador to the UN, James Ngango, asserting that the DRC is attempting to shift blame for its internal instability.

Rwanda has also warned of what it describes as an imminent threat to its security, claiming that evidence points to a large-scale attack being planned against it following the fall of Goma. Ngango alleged that weapons had been stockpiled in and around Goma airport by Kinshasa and its allies, further inflaming tensions in the region. The accusations and counter-accusations between the DRC and Rwanda highlight the complex geopolitical dynamics at play, with both sides digging in for a protracted conflict.

CODECO Attack Claims Dozens of Lives in Ituri Province
In a separate but equally devastating incident, fighters from the CODECO armed group launched a deadly attack on the Djaiba group of villages in Ituri province. At least 35 civilians, including children, were killed in the assault, which began on Monday evening. Local officials reported that many victims were burned alive in their homes, with some estimates suggesting the death toll could rise to 50. The attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents attributed to CODECO, an armed group known for its control over gold mines in the region.

The UN has previously accused CODECO of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity, particularly in its attacks on Hema herders and other communities. The majority of residents in Djugu territory, where the attack occurred, belong to the Hema ethnic group. The violence has further destabilized an already volatile region, displacing more families and deepening the humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC.

A Broader Context of Insecurity and Humanitarian Need
The resurgence of the M23 and the ongoing atrocities by groups like CODECO underscore the pervasive insecurity plaguing eastern DRC. For years, the region has been a battleground for numerous armed groups, many of which are fighting over land, resources, and ethnic grievances. The resulting instability has had a disproportionate impact on civilians, who face displacement, violence, and deprivation on a massive scale.

The international community has been slow to act, despite the mounting humanitarian toll. While regional leaders have called for a ceasefire, the lack of a unified and robust response has allowed the conflict to escalate. The DRC government, meanwhile, has accused neighboring countries of complicity in the violence, further complicating efforts to find a peaceful resolution.

As the situation continues to deteriorate, the people of eastern DRC remain trapped in a cycle of fear, displacement, and despair. The urgent need for humanitarian aid, coupled with the necessity for a sustained and coordinated international response, cannot be overstated. Without meaningful intervention, the region risks plunging further into chaos, with devastating consequences for millions of innocent civilians.

The Path Forward: Addressing Root Causes and Ensuring Accountability
Addressing the crisis in eastern DRC requires a multifaceted approach that tackles both the immediate humanitarian needs and the root causes of the conflict. This includes ensuring the protection of civilians, providing adequate support to displaced populations, and fostering inclusive dialogue to address the grievances of all parties involved.

At the same time, accountability for atrocities committed by armed groups and their backers must be prioritized. The international community has a critical role to play in supporting investigations, imposing sanctions on those responsible, and pressuring regional actors to cease their involvement in the conflict. Only through a combination of diplomacy, accountability, and sustained humanitarian aid can the region hope to achieve lasting peace and stability.

The people of eastern DRC deserve more than temporary solutions to their suffering. They deserve a future free from violence, exploitation, and fear—a future that can only be built through collective action and a commitment to justice.