The Democratic Republic of Congo has accused Rwanda of killing over 1,500 civilians in the eastern region since early December, when the Kigali-backed M23 militia launched a fresh offensive. According to a statement by the Congolese government, this figure is attributed to civil society and confirmed by humanitarian sources and state services.
The Congolese authorities have described the new wave of attacks as a clear act of aggression against national sovereignty and a serious and repeated violation of international law. The M23 rebels took control of the key eastern city of Uvira in South Kivu last month, resulting in tens of thousands of people fleeing across the border into Burundi. This surge in violence occurred just days after the Congolese and Rwandan governments signed a US-brokered peace deal on December 4.
The Congolese government has also alleged that Rwanda has sent three new battalions into South Kivu, with the intention of advancing towards the mining province of Tanganyika. The recent escalation in fighting in South Kivu has displaced approximately 500,000 people, according to the United Nations. The situation has raised concerns about the stability and security of the region, particularly in light of the rich mineral resources present in the area.
The conflict in eastern Congo has been ongoing for years, with various armed groups vying for control of the region’s resources. The M23 militia, which is backed by Rwanda, has been a key player in the conflict, and its actions have been widely condemned by the international community. The US-brokered peace deal was seen as a significant step towards resolving the conflict, but the recent violence has raised doubts about the effectiveness of the agreement.
The international community has called for calm and restraint in the region, and for all parties to respect the terms of the peace agreement. The situation remains volatile, with ongoing fighting and displacement of civilians. The United Nations and other humanitarian organizations are working to provide aid to those affected by the conflict, but the need for a lasting solution to the crisis remains urgent.