Cintia A. , Lebledparle.com
According to BBC Africa, fighting between the M23 and DR Congo’s army has heavily intensified. The recent blow in this war is the death of Major General Peter Cirimwami, North Kivu’s Governor, who was shot by M23 fighters on Thursday during his visit to the frontline. The army spokesperson Gen Sylvain Ekenge, revealed the governor was airlifted to Kinshasa for treatment but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.
Since 2021, M23 has been fighting eastern DRC for reasons best known to them, as no clear motive has been established for their consistent battle with the country. This year, the rebels have reportedly seized control of more territory than ever. The UN, in a report, revealed that since the start of the year over 400,000 people have fled their homes as the rebels advanced into the city of Goma. Other reports indicate that 200 civilians have been killed in areas captured by M23.
The unrest in this region prompted Congolese president Felix Tshikedi to hold an urgent security meeting on Thursday 23rd January with top officials, instructing them to track down the enemies and pursue them across all national territory.
Amid the atrocities, Human Rights Watch has accused both sides of committing grave abuses against civilians and has sounded an alarm on increased killings as the Congolese army tries to battle with the rebels.
