DRC Army Announces Military Gains Against M23 Rebels Amid Escalating Violence

DRC Army Announces Military Gains Against M23 Rebels Amid Escalating Violence

Amid escalating violence in eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Congolese army has reported significant military victories over the M23 rebel group. Over the weekend, the military announced that it had successfully pushed M23 forces out of South Kivu and regained control of several key towns in both North and South Kivu provinces.

Guillaume Ndjike Kaiko, spokesperson for the Congolese army, confirmed these developments in a statement to the press, emphasizing the recapture of several areas previously under M23 occupation. Kaiko also highlighted the army’s right to defend against attacks from external forces, particularly after reports of Rwandan army artillery targeting Congolese positions and civilian areas.

“It’s true that we are observing the ceasefire,” Kaiko stated, “But at least, (civilians) should be assured that each time the Rwandan army fires on our positions or on our population or on displaced people, the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo have the right to react.”

Kaiko’s comments reflect rising tensions as fighting between the Congolese army and M23 rebels has intensified in recent weeks. The M23, a predominantly Tutsi group, first emerged in 2012 and briefly took control of the city of Goma on the Rwanda-Congo border. The group’s name stems from a March 2009 peace agreement they claim the Congolese government failed to honor.

After several years of dormancy, the M23 resurfaced in late 2021, rapidly advancing and seizing large portions of eastern Congo. The United Nations has accused Rwanda of backing the M23, a claim consistently denied by the Rwandan government. Recently, Rwandan President Paul Kagame called for negotiations between the Congolese government and M23, urging a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

In response to the ongoing conflict, the United Nations published a report last year alleging that Rwandan soldiers have been fighting alongside M23 rebels. Rwanda has firmly rejected these allegations, asserting that it only provides humanitarian aid to the region and is not involved in the fighting.

As the situation continues to unfold, international calls for dialogue and peace remain strong amid mounting concerns over civilian casualties and regional instability.

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