DRC: M23 rebels sow chaos in the DRC
After a period of relative calm, conflict has erupted once again between M23 rebels and the Congolese Army (FARDC). This Wednesday morning marked the second instance of terrorists dropping a bomb on Goma’s Mugunga market in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Fortunately, the attack occurred before the market was crowded, and there were no reported casualties or injuries, as confirmed by Safari Mbalivukire, the chief of the Mugunga neighborhood.
The previous day, the army reported ongoing battles around the town of Sasha, a target for the terrorists, and control over National Road No. 2 (RN2).
For several months now, M23 rebels, allegedly supported by Rwanda, have been causing unrest in the DRC, according to various sources.
On February 2, a bomb struck the Mugunga neighborhood near a school, resulting in two injuries, a father and his daughter.
Earlier, on January 25, indiscriminate bombings by the Rwandan army and M23 terrorists led to the tragic deaths of 19 Congolese civilians and left 17 others injured.
Accusations are regularly directed at Rwanda by the DRC, UN experts, and international civil society organizations, claiming Rwanda’s involvement in supporting the M23 terrorists.
The M23, primarily composed of Tutsi members and previously inactive since 2013, resumed armed activities over a year ago, citing Kinshasa’s failure to honor commitments regarding the demobilization and reintegration of its fighters.
The motives behind this conflict remain unclear, but some experts point fingers at the potential involvement of the United States, purportedly supporting the rebellion through Paul Kagame.
These analysts suggest that the USA may be driven by an interest in the DRC’s abundant resources, particularly coltan, a crucial component in battery and cellphone production.
The deafening silence of international institutions in response to this situation raises questions, indicating potential support for the M23 rebels from certain foreign powers.
Neil Camara
