Despite Ceasefire, Fighting Continues in Eastern Congo

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Despite international pressure and the announcement of a ceasefire between the army and the M23 rebels, fighting in eastern Congo continues. Local sources report this.

After several relatively quiet nights, fighting resumed on Monday on the northern and southern fronts around rebel-held areas in North Kivu province. According to sources in hospitals and humanitarian organizations, several civilians were injured or killed.

“Karuba (about 30 kilometres west of the provincial capital of Goma) has just fallen into rebel hands,” said a security source. It was a counter-attack after the army carried out attacks the day before. “At the moment, the fighting continues,” it still sounds.

The same can be heard on the northern front, where the rebels of M23 are still fighting in army-held villages. According to witnesses, soldiers have retreated to Kanyabayonga, further north.

Despite progress on the ground, the M23 rebels issued a statement on Tuesday announcing an “effective ceasefire” to “clear the way for direct dialogue with the government in Kinshasa.”

Eastern Congo is considered one of the most dangerous regions in the world. According to the US, there are about 130 different armed groups active in Congo. In addition, Islamist groups such as the ADF (Allied Democratic Forces), considered an offshoot of IS, are also active in the region.