200,000 Flee Eastern DRC Amid M23 Rebel Offensive. Goma, DRC — Approximately 200,000 people have been displaced in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) following a recent offensive by the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group, according to the United Nations.
The escalation in violence has occurred despite a peace agreement brokered by the United States last week.
The M23 rebels, who have been advancing on the strategic town of Uvira in South Kivu province, have captured several strongholds, including Uvira itself, which had been a government administrative center since January.
The rebels’advance has forced the Congolese army to retreat, leaving the town vulnerable to further occupation. Local authorities reported that at least 74 people have been killed in the renewed fighting.
The situation is particularly dire for the civilian population, with many fleeing their homes in fear of violence.
The UN has expressed concern over the humanitarian impact of the conflict, which has already displaced at least 1. 2 million people.
The offensive comes just days after the Congolese and Rwandan presidents signed a peace agreement in Washington, DC.
However, the rebels were not included in the agreement, and they continue to negotiate separately with the DRC government. Despite the ceasefire agreement, both sides have accused each other of violations.
Reports’s Alain Uaykani reported from Goma that the Congolese army has largely abandoned Uvira, with soldiers crossing into the neighboring province of Tanganyika.
The army’s retreat has left the town’s residents in a state of panic, according to Marafiki Masimango, a representative of Uvira civil society.
The International Contact Group for the Great Lakes (ICG), an informal monitoring group including the US and the European Union, has voiced “profound concern “over the renewed violence, stating that the M23’s offensive has the potential to destabilize the entire region.
Despite the ongoing conflict, M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa has reiterated the group’s support for peace talks in Doha, where a framework agreement was signed last month.
However, the situation on the ground remains tense, with the fate of Uvira and the surrounding areas hanging in the balance. Further details are expected as the situation continues to develop.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
