Tensions have reached a boiling point in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as clashes intensify between the formidable M23 rebels and the Congolese army. This surge in violence comes in the wake of the eagerly anticipated results of the December 20th general elections, leaving the Congolese populace on edge.
The aftermath of the elections has seen a resurgence of hostilities, with M23 rebels launching assaults on the positions of self-defense resistance fighters and the Congolese army near the town of Sake in the restive province of North Kivu. Local residents have reported continuous attacks in the hills around the recently seized village of Mushaki and the village of Karuba, both situated in the Masisi territory.
Ombeni Balingene, a resident of Sake, expressed dismay over the dire circumstances that have overshadowed the holiday season. “Since December 20, after the elections, clashes have started in the Mushaki mountains, from where people are fleeing and arriving in large numbers here in Sake,” said Balingene. The palpable fear of an imminent rebel invasion has cast a dark cloud over the festive period, as the sounds of gunfire and bomb explosions reverberate through the town.
Amidst the escalating conflict, Lieutenant-Colonel Guillaume Njike Kaiko, an army spokesman in North Kivu, conveyed a stern warning to the rebels and accused the Rwandan army of backing their cause. The Congolese military threatened to take decisive action against the rebels, denouncing their relentless attacks on loyalist army positions and reservists in defiance of the international community’s ceasefire recommendations. Kaiko also alleged ongoing incursions by Rwandan troops into Congolese territory, disrupting the peace process, a claim vehemently denied by Rwanda.
The repercussions of the recent clashes have led to a fresh wave of civilian displacements, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation. Tumusifu Bazungu, a human rights defender in Masisi territory, urgently appealed to the government to address the plight of the internally displaced, as aid workers struggle to meet their needs amidst the mounting chaos.
Furthermore, Masisi and Rutshuru, both under the grip of the M23 rebels, were excluded from the electoral process due to the precarious security conditions prevailing in the eastern part of Congo. The turmoil in these areas continues to cast a shadow over the nation’s democratic aspirations, underscoring the urgent need for a comprehensive resolution to the escalating crisis.
