Tag: M23 Rebels

M23 Rebels Trigger Humanitarian Crisis Amid Regional Tensions

4Mar

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African Union, Congo, News, Rwanda

M23 Rebels Trigger Humanitarian Crisis Amid Regional Tensions

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is grappling with a deepening crisis as the M23 rebel group intensifies its campaign in the country's mineral-rich east, displacing tens of thousands and exacerbating one of the world's most severe humanitarian emergencies. As of today, over 50,000 people have fled their homes due to forced conscriptions and violent clashes, with the rebels' recent territorial gains reigniting fears of a broader regional conflict. M23's Rapid Advance and Forced Conscriptions The M23, a Tutsi-led militia widely believed to be backed by Rwanda, has made significant strides in eastern DRC since late 2024. The group captured Goma, the bustling capital of North Kivu province, in late January, followed by Bukavu, the South Kivu provincial capital, in mid-February. The...

Retreating Congolese Army Leaves Child Soldiers in Bukavu

BUKAVU, Democratic Republic of Congo – In the ongoing crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Congolese army's retreat from the city of Bukavu has left a vacuum that not only M23 rebels but also children have filled, taking up arms amid the chaos. This development underscores the desperate security situation in the region as M23 rebels, with alleged support from Rwanda, continue their advance, challenging the sovereignty of Congo's eastern borderlands. A City Under Siege: Reports from the ground indicate the M23 rebels have entered Bukavu, a significant commercial and mining hub, following their capture of Goma, the largest city in the area, earlier this month. The Congolese army, known as FARDC, has reportedly withdrawn from strategic positions to avoid urban c...

Thousands Abandon Their Homes Amid DR Congo Battles

More than 37,000 people have been forced from their homes in the Democratic Republic of Congo over the last four days of fighting, according to aid agencies. Local media report that the national army has retaken some areas that had been seized by the M23 rebels in recent days. But the main road between Rutshuru and the North Kivu regional capital, Goma, remains blocked by the M23. The DR Congo government has again accused Rwanda of supporting the rebels, which the government in Kigali denies. Earlier this week, Rwanda called for a regional investigation into how some artillery fire crossed into its territory, injuring some Rwandans. Read Also: Over 50 Villages Vacated Due to Bandits’ Attacks in Niger – Gov Bello On Wednesday, a police chief in Goma asked locals to take up...