Fresh clashes have erupted in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, specifically in the town of Uvira, raising concerns that hopes for peace in the region are dwindling. The violence comes after Rwanda-backed M23 rebels captured the strategic town earlier this month, just days after Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo reaffirmed their commitment to a US-brokered peace deal in Washington.
The M23 rebel group, which is not a party to the peace accord, has been negotiating separately with the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Qatar. However, the United States has accused Rwanda of violating the agreement, and the M23 rebels had stated their intention to withdraw from the area. Despite this, residents claim that rebel fighters, either in plainclothes or wearing police uniforms, have remained in the town. The government in Kinshasa has accused the M23 of regrouping in the hills above Uvira.
Recent reports indicate that Congolese armed forces used drones to strike rebel boats in Lake Tanganyika’s Kalundu port early on Friday. Local security forces confirmed the incident. Additionally, residents have reported hearing gunfire exchanged between pro-government forces and M23 fighters earlier in the week.
The M23 rebel group had previously seized control of the cities of Goma and Bukavu, located along the border with Burundi, at the start of the year. Their offensive into Uvira on December 10 forced tens of thousands of people to flee across the border into Burundi, putting a significant strain on the country’s capacity to accommodate them, according to the United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR.
The resurgence of violence in the region highlights the ongoing challenges in achieving a lasting peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The situation remains volatile, with the potential for further displacement and humanitarian crises. As the international community continues to monitor the situation, the need for a sustained and inclusive peace process becomes increasingly urgent. The developments in Uvira serve as a stark reminder of the complexities and fragilities of the peace agreement, underscoring the necessity for all parties to adhere to their commitments and work towards a stable and peaceful resolution.