Civilians at Risk as Battle Against M23 Rebels Escalates in DRC

Civilians at Risk as Battle Against M23 Rebels Escalates in DRC

In Saké, a town in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a young man named Alpha stands guard on a hill, watching for fighters from the M23 rebel group. This area, rich in minerals and near the Rwandan border, is a battleground for over 100 armed groups, leading many local youth to join a local militia called Wazalendo, meaning “Patriots” in Swahili.

Alpha explained his decision to join the fight: “We are battling the M23 movement, which is made up of foreigners attacking our country. We will not allow them to take our land.” Despite many residents fleeing Saké due to the conflict, some, including local militias and government soldiers, remain to confront the threat

Nearby, Bitakweya expressed uncertainty about staying in his home. “I can see the enemy on the other hill, and here are the Wazalendo and government forces. I don’t know if I can stay,” he said.

Further east in Goma, the UN peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO, patrols the streets, aiming to maintain security. The M23 rebels, accused by Kinshasa of receiving support from Rwanda, remain just a few dozen kilometers from the provincial capital of North Kivu.

Brigadier General Ranjan Mahajan, MONUSCO’s commander for North Kivu, noted, “Our strategy depends on the level of violence and threats posed by armed groups, especially regarding civilian protection.” The situation remains dire, with frequent clashes and significant civilian casualties leading to massive displacement.

According to the UN, as of July, North Kivu is home to approximately 2.8 million displaced people, highlighting the urgent need for security and humanitarian assistance in the region. Rwanda denies accusations of supporting the M23 fighters, adding to the complexities of the ongoing conflict.

Source: Africa News