GOMA, Congo — The clashes between the Congolese military and the M23 rebel faction have reignited in eastern Congo, marking yet another breach of the ceasefire as potential mediation discussions loom, according to both parties involved.
The Congolese army reported that it inflicted significant casualties on the M23 group in North Kivu province’s Lubero territory on Monday, claiming several rebels were killed or injured. In response, an M23 representative stated on social media that the rebel forces were once again engaged by the military in the early hours of Tuesday.
M23 is one of around 100 armed entities that are competing for control over the resource-rich eastern regions of Congo, close to the Rwandan border, contributing to one of the most severe humanitarian crises globally, with over 7 million individuals having been displaced from their homes.
Both Congo and the United Nations have accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels. Although Rwanda has refuted these allegations, it did acknowledge in February that it has deployed troops and missile systems in eastern Congo to protect its national security, citing concerns over the concentration of Congolese forces near its border. U.N. experts estimate that up to 4,000 Rwandan soldiers may be present in Congo.
Recently, the foreign ministers of Congo and Rwanda agreed on the framework for the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from eastern Congo.
Following a ceasefire that was signed in July between Congo and the M23, which took effect in August, hostilities have reignited. Earlier this month, the U.S. expressed deep concern over the ongoing violations of the ceasefire by M23 rebels.
The latest outbreak of fighting coincides with the upcoming meeting between Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, scheduled for December 15. This meeting, reported by Angola’s state news agency, will be their first official encounter since last year, amidst ongoing mediation efforts concerning the conflict.