Due to the escalation of the conflict between the army of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the armed group M23 in the east of the country, thousands of people are fleeing the region to find salvation.
Despite attempts by the Congolese army and United Nations peacekeepers to contain M23’s advance, the rebel group continues to advance.
Clashes between the rebels, military forces and self-defense groups supporting them have forced entire communities in Masisi and Rutshuru territories to flee to safer areas near Goma, the capital of North Kivu province.
The DR Congo government has pledged to prevent Goma from falling into the hands of the M23 group. Previously, in 2012, the armed group briefly occupied North Kivu province.
In March 2022, M23 launched a major offensive, prompting military intervention and mediation efforts by East African regional leaders. Although a truce was agreed last year, it was repeatedly violated.
The M23 group announced on Wednesday that their goal was not to capture Goma, and described their actions as “defensive maneuvers”.
Accusations of Rwanda’s support for the Tutsi-led rebel group led to a diplomatic crisis in the region. Rwanda denies involvement, but tensions remain.
The most frequent victims of violence in this area are civilians, and many have died in bombings and reprisals. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), around 42,000 people have been displaced from Masisi since 2 February, AA writes.
