The M23 rebels have reignited hostilities against armed forces in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, breaking a brief two-day lull in fighting. The latest attack occurred at dawn on Tuesday near the village of Ihusi, approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the strategic military airport in Kavumu and about 70 kilometers (43 miles) from Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province.
The resurgence of violence has heightened fears of further instability in a region already grappling with the devastating impact of recent clashes.
The M23, which claims to defend ethnic Tutsis, has escalated its military campaign after capturing North Kivu’s capital, Goma, in a brutal raid last month that resulted in thousands of deaths. Despite calls from 24 regional leaders for an immediate ceasefire, the rebels have continued their advance toward South Kivu, intensifying tensions and prompting civilians to flee for safety. The fall of Goma marked a significant turning point in the ongoing conflict, demonstrating the group’s growing military capability and raising concerns about its ultimate objectives.
Bukavu, a city of strategic importance, has been bracing for an M23 offensive for several days. Anticipating an attack, local authorities ordered schools to shut down last Friday, while residents began to evacuate and businesses closed in fear of an imminent assault. The city, which serves as a major commercial and administrative hub in eastern DR Congo, has witnessed waves of displacement in the past due to ongoing violence, and the current situation has only deepened anxieties among its population.
Al Jazeera’s Malcolm Webb, reporting from Nairobi, Kenya, highlighted the growing unease in Bukavu, where residents are anxiously awaiting the outcome of the rebel advance. He noted that there is mounting concern over whether the M23, allegedly backed by Rwanda, will succeed in pushing further into South Kivu. The group’s rapid territorial expansion has fueled speculation about its long-term strategy and the extent of external support it may be receiving.
Meanwhile, in a separate but related development, reports have emerged from a displacement camp west of Goma, where people fleeing violence have claimed that an M23 colonel entered the site on Sunday and ordered them to leave within three days. The alleged directive has caused panic among displaced families, many of whom have already endured repeated displacements due to the ongoing conflict. The Bulengo camp, which shelters thousands of internally displaced persons, has become a focal point of humanitarian concerns, as aid organizations struggle to provide adequate support in the face of escalating hostilities.
In response to the allegations, the M23 released a statement on Monday denying any forced evictions. The group claimed that people were leaving the Bulengo camp voluntarily, returning to what it described as “now-secured homes in liberated areas.” This assertion has been met with skepticism, given the widespread reports of forced displacements and the continued instability in areas under M23 control. The humanitarian crisis in eastern DR Congo has been exacerbated by the conflict, with thousands of civilians caught in the crossfire and forced to flee their homes in search of safety.
The resurgence of violence has drawn condemnation from regional leaders and international bodies, who have repeatedly called for an end to hostilities. Despite diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire, the situation on the ground remains volatile, with neither the Congolese government nor the M23 showing any signs of backing down. The conflict, which has deep historical and political roots, continues to pose a significant challenge to peace and stability in the region.
The M23 rebellion traces its origins to the aftermath of previous conflicts in eastern DR Congo, with its fighters primarily composed of former members of the Congolese army who defected in 2012. The group briefly captured Goma in the same year before being defeated and pushed into exile. However, its resurgence in recent years has reignited fears of prolonged instability and the possibility of further regional involvement in the conflict. The Congolese government has accused Rwanda of supporting the M23, an allegation that Kigali has repeatedly denied despite mounting evidence from independent reports.
As the crisis deepens, humanitarian organizations are warning of dire consequences for civilians caught in the conflict zone. Displacement camps are overwhelmed, food supplies are dwindling, and medical services are stretched thin. The United Nations has called for urgent international intervention to prevent further loss of life and to ensure that those affected receive the assistance they desperately need. However, with fighting intensifying and diplomatic solutions proving elusive, the prospects for peace remain uncertain.
For now, Bukavu remains on high alert, with residents fearing that they could be the next targets of the M23’s advance. The Congolese military has vowed to defend the city and push back against the rebel incursion, but previous engagements have shown that the M23 is well-equipped and highly organized. The coming days will be critical in determining the trajectory of the conflict and whether efforts to restore stability in eastern DR Congo will succeed or if the region will plunge further into chaos.
The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, urging all parties to engage in dialogue and find a peaceful resolution to the crisis. However, with the rebels showing no intention of halting their offensive and the Congolese government standing firm in its opposition, the likelihood of a negotiated settlement remains slim. For the thousands of civilians affected, the hope for peace is growing dimmer by the day, as they face the grim reality of displacement, violence, and an uncertain future.
