Goma, Congo — Despite a ceasefire declared earlier this week, rebels in eastern Congo, allegedly supported by Rwanda, continue to expand their control. Reports from civil society officials and residents indicate that the M23 rebels have taken over a town located approximately 100 kilometers (60 miles) from Bukavu, the provincial capital.

On Monday, the M23 group announced a ceasefire citing humanitarian needs, which included requests for safe passage for aid to assist hundreds of thousands displaced by the conflict. However, the Congolese government dismissed this declaration as insincere, while the United Nations reported intense clashes between M23 and Congolese forces in this resource-rich area.

Néné Bintou, president of the South Kivu provincial civil society, confirmed that the town of Nyabibwe is now under M23 control. Located midway between Bukavu and Goma, Nyabibwe’s capture marks a significant advance for the rebels, who had taken Goma just a week prior. “They have taken over Nyabibwe since this morning from 9 a.m.,” stated Moïse Bisimwa, a local resident, expressing concern that the ceasefire may not be genuine.

Congo’s authorities issued a statement condemning the actions of the M23 and the Rwandan Defense Forces (RDF), stating, “The RDF/M23 Coalition is violating the unilaterally declared ceasefire and is facing fierce resistance from the FARDC around Nyabibwe.” The government underscored that the announcement of the ceasefire was misleading, claiming Rwandan troops had infiltrated the area at night to mount an attack.

According to United Nations experts, the M23 forces are currently bolstered by approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops, a marked increase compared to their brief capture of Goma in 2012, following which they retreated due to international pressure. As the most powerful among over 100 armed groups active in eastern Congo, the M23 poses a significant challenge, especially given the region’s vast mineral resources critical for global technology.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame has publicly commented on the situation, stating he is unaware of any Rwandan military presence in Congo but emphasized his country’s commitment to self-defense.

Concern arises among analysts that Rwanda’s goals may involve exerting control over portions of Congo to secure mineral access. This conflict is framed by the Rwandan government as a protective measure for ethnic Tutsis facing threats from Hutu factions, whom they associate with the 1994 genocide that devastated the Tutsi population, claiming around 800,000 lives.

In addition to Rwandan involvement, Uganda also has a military presence in Congo, with troops authorized by the Congolese government to combat the Allied Democratic Forces in the northeast’s Ituri Province. Ugandan military spokesperson Col. Deo Akiiki reassured that there have been no new troop deployments in the country recently.

Following the capture of Goma, a city of 2 million people that lies at the center of a region rich in minerals, the M23 continues its advance in other parts of eastern Congo, reportedly heading towards Bukavu. While they have claimed not to pursue further territorial ambitions, they previously expressed a desire to reach Kinshasa, the nation’s capital, located over a thousand miles away. M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka reiterated their commitment to the safety of civilians, while still advocating for their positions.

As the violence escalates, the humanitarian crisis deepens. In Goma, nearly 2,000 corpses have been recovered, with many more still in medical facilities. “Our efforts focus on epidemic prevention, expedited burials, and enhancing healthcare capabilities,” stated Jean Jonas Yaovi Tossa from the UN humanitarian agency’s Goma office. He emphasized the pressing need for a humanitarian corridor to facilitate aid access.

In a related development, the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court called for information regarding the atrocities committed in eastern Congo. Their statement affirmed an ongoing commitment to investigate alleged crimes by all parties involved, regardless of affiliation, illustrating the urgency of addressing the rampant violence in the region.