Rwanda-backed rebels, popularly known as M23, have continued their advance in eastern Congo despite declaring a unilateral ceasefire earlier this week.
The armed group seized control of the mining town of Nyabibwe, located approximately 100 kilometers (60 miles) from Bukavu, the provincial capital of South Kivu.
Civil society officials and residents confirmed the development, raising concerns about escalating conflict in the region.
Goma, a key city in North Kivu province, remains under the control of the M23 rebels, according to UN officials. Vivian van de Perre, the United Nations’ deputy representative in Congo, stated that the ceasefire had been breached as heavy clashes erupted along the primary route leading to Bukavu.
The rebels are now positioned roughly 50 kilometers (31 miles) north of the city, threatening further territorial gains.
The ceasefire was initially declared on Monday to facilitate humanitarian efforts, ensuring aid access and safety for the hundreds of thousands of displaced civilians.
However, the Congolese government dismissed the truce as “false communication” and accused the rebels of continuing their aggression. The UN has also acknowledged reports of sustained fighting between the M23 and Congolese forces in the mineral-rich region.
Van de Perre revealed that all exit routes from Goma, including its airport, are under the control of M23 fighters and the Rwandan military, which allegedly backs them. Restrictions on the movement of MONUSCO, the UN peacekeeping force, have been imposed in the city.
Reopening the damaged Goma airport remains a critical priority for civilian and humanitarian operations. The UN also expressed concern over the potential loss of Kavumu airport in Bukavu, currently utilized by the Congolese military.
South Kivu civil society president Néné Bintou confirmed that Nyabibwe had fallen into rebel hands.
“They have taken over Nyabibwe since this morning from 9 a.m. So we are here, we are worried about the situation. Apparently, the ceasefire that was declared by the M23 is just smoke and mirrors.”
Moïse Bisimwa
The Congolese authorities also accused Rwanda of violating the ceasefire, stating, “The RDF/M23 Coalition is violating the unilaterally declared ceasefire and is facing fierce resistance from the FARDC around Nyabibwe.” The RDF refers to the Rwandan Defense Forces.
The Congolese government described the ceasefire as “nothing but a Rwandan lie.” Officials claim that troops crossed the Great Barrier of Goma under cover of darkness to launch attacks on Nyabibwe.
Rwanda’s Alleged Involvement
UN experts estimate that Rwanda has deployed approximately 4,000 troops to support the M23, a significant increase from 2012 when the rebels briefly seized Goma before withdrawing under international pressure.
The M23 remains the most formidable of the over 100 armed groups operating in eastern Congo, an area rich in minerals essential to global technology industries.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame, in an interview, claimed he was unaware of whether his country’s forces were in Congo but insisted that Rwanda would take necessary measures to protect itself. Analysts have raised concerns that Rwanda seeks to exert control over parts of eastern Congo to secure access to valuable mineral resources.
Rwanda, however, maintains that its involvement stems from efforts to protect ethnic Tutsis in the region from Hutu extremist groups linked to the 1994 genocide.
During the genocide, approximately 800,000 people — predominantly Tutsis, along with moderate Hutus were killed. Rwanda has previously sent troops into Congo under similar justifications, fueling one of Africa’s longest-running conflicts and displacing millions of Congolese civilians.
Regional Implications and Ongoing Conflict
Beyond Rwanda’s involvement, neighboring Uganda has also deployed forces in Congo. Ugandan troops have been stationed in Ituri province since 2021 with permission from the Congolese government to combat the Allied Democratic Forces, another armed group. However, Ugandan military spokesperson Col. Deo Akiiki stated that there have been no recent troop reinforcements in Congo.
With the fall of Goma, a provincial capital home to over 2 million people, and continued rebel advances, fears are growing that Bukavu could be the next target. Although the M23 has denied plans to seize Bukavu or other areas, the group has previously voiced aspirations of marching toward Kinshasa, Congo’s capital, located roughly 1,000 miles away.
“We reiterate our commitment to protecting and defending the civilian population and our positions,” M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka stated on Monday.
The human cost of the escalating conflict is mounting. The UN has reported that nearly 2,000 bodies have been recovered by the Red Cross in Goma, with an additional 787 bodies awaiting retrieval in medical facilities. “We expect this number to go up, and there are still many decomposing bodies in certain areas,” van de Perre noted. The situation remains “very fluid.”
The intensifying violence has led to severe humanitarian consequences, displacing thousands and straining aid operations. The UN has expressed concern that its humanitarian efforts will be impacted by the recent US decision to halt funding to certain aid programs in Congo.
Meanwhile, Congolese authorities issued an international arrest warrant on Wednesday for Corneille Nangaa, a political leader within the M23 movement. The International Criminal Court’s Office of the Prosecutor has also called for submissions of information and evidence regarding war crimes committed in eastern Congo.
“The Office will continue to investigate alleged crimes committed by any person, irrespective of affiliation or nationality, and will not be limited to particular individuals, parties, or members of specific groups.” ICC statement
As fighting rages on, the people of eastern Congo remain trapped in a cycle of violence, facing an uncertain and perilous future.
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