GOMA, Congo — The Congolese government critiqued the recent unilateral ceasefire announced by the Rwanda-associated M23 rebels as a “false communication” on Tuesday, while the United Nations reported significant clashes with Congolese forces in the region.
The M23 insurgents declared a ceasefire on Monday, citing humanitarian reasons and the need for secure passage to deliver aid to the hundreds of thousands displaced by the ongoing conflict. However, Congolese government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya stated, “What we are expecting is the withdrawal of the M23.”
Last week, the M23 seized control of Goma, a strategic city with a population of 2 million located in a region rich with valuable mineral deposits. The city continues to remain under the control of the rebels.
Reports suggest that the M23 has been gaining ground in other parts of eastern Congo, including advancing towards Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu. On Tuesday, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric confirmed reports of intense fighting in South Kivu, but noted that there had been no confirmation of the M23 moving nearer to Bukavu.
According to U.N. experts, around 4,000 Rwandan troops are supporting the M23, a notable increase compared to the group’s brief capture of Goma in 2012, after which they retreated following international pressure. The M23 is considered one of the most formidable of the over 100 armed groups currently operating in eastern Congo, which is crucial for various technological industries worldwide due to its rich deposits.
While the Congolese government has expressed willingness to engage in discussions to settle the conflict, they emphasized that negotiations must adhere to prior peace agreements. Both Rwanda and the M23 rebels have accused the Congolese government of failing to uphold these previous accords.
In a related development, regional leaders are scheduled to convene in Tanzania on Friday and Saturday to address the ongoing conflict.
On Tuesday, Congolese Interior Minister Jacquemain Shabani stated that around 2,000 casualties had been recorded from last week’s skirmishes, with some bodies reportedly buried in mass graves. Shabani described these individuals as “victims of massacres” attributed to the “Rwandan occupation army.” No immediate comments were available from Rwanda on this matter.
The U.N. health agency reported on Monday that at least 900 individuals were killed during the fighting between M23 rebels and Congolese forces in Goma. As the violence persists, residents have continued to lay to rest those who lost their lives.
Elisha Dunia, a grieving father of a victim, reflected on the tragic conditions in which the deceased were buried, stating, “Our hearts are broken, and we seek peace to return to our country.” Another mourner, Debors Zuzu, shared his devastation over the loss of three family members, including two who died in a bombing. Zuzu called for an end to the violence, stating, “War holds no value. We desire peace in Goma. If everyone perishes, who will be left for the leaders to govern?”
Bruno Lemarquis, the U.N. humanitarian coordinator for Congo, emphasized the urgent need to reopen the airport in Goma, branding it a vital lifeline for transporting the injured and delivering essential aid.
