DR Congo | URN | Intense clashes erupted between the M23 rebels and a coalition of militias affiliated with the Wazalendo organization in various villages within the Masisi and Nyiragongo territories of North Kivu province in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These confrontations took place on a Wednesday, as prospects for peace through dialogue continued to diminish.

The affected areas included Tebero, Kayovu, Nturo, Burungu, Kilolirwe, and Rugeneshi villages in Masisi territory, as well as Nyamagori, Nyamigabe, and Honero villages in the Kizimba locality of Nyiragongo territory. The clashes in Masisi led residents to flee towards Kitchanga.

Bertrand Bisimwa, the president of the M23 rebels, and the movement’s political spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, issued a statement accusing the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and the Wazalendo militia of initiating the conflict and violating ceasefire agreements. They asserted that M23 had the right to defend itself.

Meanwhile, Lt Col Ndjike Kaiko Guillaume, the FARDC spokesperson for North Kivu Province, refuted M23’s allegations, emphasizing that FARDC remained committed to the ceasefire agreements.

Tensions escalated when President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo reiterated his refusal to engage in dialogue with M23 rebels, whom he labeled as terrorists supported by Rwanda. He accused them of consistently targeting innocent civilians and called on the UN Security Council to sanction those responsible for crimes in the DRC, particularly Rwanda, which he claimed supported M23.

Following this statement, fresh clashes erupted as FARDC took control of the Mushaki position near Goma from Burundian troops. Major General Peter Chirimwami, the new military Governor of North Kivu province, declared that there would be no negotiations with M23, emphasizing the government’s goal to eliminate the rebel group.

Lawrence Kanyuka, M23’s political spokesperson, stated that they would not back down until direct dialogue with the government was initiated. The DR Congo government had issued an ultimatum to M23, demanding their withdrawal from all positions and surrender, which expired on September 25, 2023.

In March 2022, Rutshuru, Masisi, and Nyiragongo territories witnessed turmoil when M23 rebels, led by Bertrand Bisimwa and General Sultan Makenga, launched an offensive against the government, capturing most positions. This conflict led to the suspension of the education sector until September 4, 2023, when it resumed. Rebels began withdrawing from these areas in December 2022 following the deployment of peacekeeping troops from Uganda, Kenya, Burundi, and South Sudan.

However, President Tshisekedi’s recent rejection of dialogue prompted M23 to reclaim the positions they had previously relinquished. The DR Congo government accused Rwanda of supporting M23, but both Rwanda and M23 vehemently denied these allegations, with the rebels claiming to fight against corruption, xenophobia, and discrimination within the DRC’s leadership.

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