M23 Rebels Resume Attacks in Eastern DRC After Two-Day Pause, Escalating Conflict and Displacement
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The M23 rebels have resumed their attacks on armed forces in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following a two-day lull. On Tuesday, the rebels struck near the village of Ihusi, located 40km from Kavumu’s strategic military airport and about 70km from Bukavu, South Kivu’s capital. This escalation marks a continuation of hostilities despite calls from regional leaders for an immediate ceasefire.
The M23, which claims to protect ethnic Tutsis, advanced into South Kivu after seizing control of Goma in North Kivu last month, where a bloody raid led to thousands of casualties. Bukavu, anticipating an M23 offensive, has been preparing for the attack by closing schools and seeing residents flee the area. Shops also shut down amid growing fears of an imminent assault.
Al Jazeera’s Malcolm Webb reported that residents in Bukavu anxiously awaited news on whether the M23 and its Rwandan supporters would succeed in advancing towards the city. Meanwhile, displaced people from a camp near Goma reported that an M23 colonel had ordered them to leave within three days. The M23, however, denied the accusations, stating that people were voluntarily returning to their “now-secured homes in liberated areas.”
The United Nations (UN) estimates that the ongoing conflict has displaced 6.7 million people within DRC, particularly from North and South Kivu provinces, where violence has surged since the M23’s resurgence. Over 500,000 people have fled their homes since the beginning of the year, placing immense strain on overcrowded and under-resourced displacement camps.
In addition to the M23’s offensive, the CODECO armed group has also intensified attacks. On Monday, CODECO fighters killed at least 35 civilians in Djaiba villages in Ituri province, with reports suggesting the death toll could be as high as 50, including children. CODECO, which controls gold-rich regions in Ituri, has been accused of committing war crimes in the area.
The worsening humanitarian crisis has been further exacerbated by a temporary aid pause from the United States, which funded 70% of operations in the country last year. The halt, announced by US President Donald Trump, has led to the closure of essential programs, including emergency health and shelter services.
As the conflict escalates, both local and international actors call for an end to the violence and a return to peace.
