Escalation of Violence in Nyabiondo: M23 Rebels Launch Assault

Heavy fighting between M23 rebels and pro-Congo militias has erupted in Nyabiondo, northeastern Congo, compounded by recent civilian casualties from prior attacks. M23, backed by Rwanda, claims territorial gains and aims to seize control of the capital, Kinshasa, while criticizing the Congolese government for failing to uphold peace commitments.

Violent clashes erupted on Sunday in Nyabiondo, located approximately 100 kilometers north of Goma, as M23 rebels engaged pro-Congolian militias. This escalation follows a previous attack in the area that resulted in a significant civilian death toll, according to reports from the United Nations and a local NGO.

M23, a rebel group allegedly backed by Rwanda, has made substantial territorial gains in eastern Congo since the beginning of the year. “M23 has taken Nyabiondo since 11 am (0900 GMT), following clashes,” stated Kipanda Biiri, a local administrative authority official fleeing the violence.

Local civil society representative Telesphore Mitondeke described the situation, noting, “The enemy opened a large-scale assault on Nyabiondo this morning,” indicating a widespread exchange of gunfire within the town’s center.

These confrontations come on the heels of previous clashes between M23 and government-aligned militias in Tambi village, about 18 kilometers northeast of Masisi. A local NGO leader reported numerous civilian casualties in an overnight attack on March 5, estimating fatalities between 13 and 40 based on an internal United Nations memo reviewed by Reuters.

On the same day, a spokesperson for the M23-affiliated rebel alliance announced on social media that one pro-government militia had defected to their side, although the spokesperson for that militia announced continued loyalty among the remaining members to the Congolese government.

M23 rebels have voiced ambitions to seize control of Kinshasa, the capital of Congo. They claim that the Congolese government has failed to fulfill prior peace agreements, particularly regarding the inclusion of Congolese Tutsis within the army and government. Furthermore, the group’s recent expansions into mineral-rich regions are expected to enhance their financial resources through mining revenues, as noted by analysts.

In summary, the rising tensions in Nyabiondo reflect ongoing conflicts involving M23 rebels and government forces. The violence is exacerbated by previous civilian casualties and the continuous territorial ambitions of the rebels, coupled with significant geopolitical implications regarding mining resources in the region. The international community must monitor these developments closely to address the humanitarian crises and potential threats to regional stability.

Original Source: www.newarab.com