Eastern Congo has witnessed a significant escalation of violence, with regional officials reporting over 413 civilian deaths since the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group intensified its offensive in South Kivu province. The recent surge in violence comes despite a US-mediated peace agreement signed last week by the Congolese and Rwandan presidents in Washington, which aimed to halt hostilities in the region. However, the accord did not include the M23 rebel group, which has been negotiating separately with the Congolese government.
The South Kivu government spokesperson stated that the deaths occurred in localities between Uvira and Bukavu, the regional capital, with civilians killed by bullets, grenades, and bombs. The spokesperson also alleged that Rwandan special forces and foreign mercenaries are operating in the city, violating the ceasefire and international agreements. M23 claimed to have taken control of the strategic city of Uvira on Wednesday, encouraging citizens who fled to return to their homes.
The conflict has sparked concern among neighboring countries, with Burundian Foreign Minister Edouard Bizimana urging the US to pressure Rwandan President Paul Kagame to implement the agreement. Bizimana warned that the capture of Uvira poses a threat to Burundi’s economic capital, Bujumbura, and has already led to an influx of over 30,000 refugees and asylum-seekers in the past three days.
The US Embassy in Kinshasa has called on M23 and Rwandan troops to cease all offensive operations and for the Rwandan Defense Forces to withdraw to Rwanda. The Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, however, blamed the Congolese armed forces for the recent ceasefire violations. The conflict in eastern Congo has created a significant humanitarian crisis, with over 7 million people displaced and more than 200,000 people displaced across the province since December 2.
The struggle for control of mineral-rich territory in eastern Congo has drawn in over 100 armed groups, including M23, which is accused of being backed by Rwanda. The conflict has raised concerns about regional stability and the potential for violence to spill over into neighboring countries. As the situation continues to escalate, international efforts to broker a peaceful resolution and ensure the protection of civilians are becoming increasingly urgent. The conflict’s impact on the region and its people will likely be a major focus of international attention in the coming days.