Fierce fighting between the March 23 Movement/Alliance Fleuve Congo (M23/AFC) rebels and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and allied forces has intensified in South Kivu Province following remarks by M23/AFC coordinator Corneille Nangaa Yobeluo indicating that the group intends to capture additional towns.
Speaking over the weekend during commemorations of the Gatumba massacre, which occurred on August 13, 2004, Nangaa said the M23/AFC cannot guarantee lasting stability in Minembwe without extending its control and influence beyond the town.
The 2004 massacre occurred at a United Nations-run transit camp in Gatumba, near the border between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi, where 166 Congolese refugees were killed. THe victims comprised 154 members of Banyamulenge community and 12 of Babembe community.
Nangaa said the stability of Minembwe must be guaranteed not only from Goma and Bukavu, but also from Fizi, Baraka, Uvira and Kalemie, and ultimately from Kolwezi and Lubumbashi towns.
On Monday, fierce fighting was reported in Katare, Tushunguti, Nyamugari and Kivoka in Kalehe Territory, South Kivu Province. Clashes were also reported in Nyaruhinga and Mukoko along the Minembwe road. The fighting causes massive displacement of civilians.
The FARDC had not issued a statement responding to the reported clashes or Nangaa’s remarks by the time of publication.
The renewed fighting has raised fresh concerns about the progress of ongoing peace efforts aimed at ending the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The Congolese government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting M23/AFC, allegations that Kigali and the rebel movement have consistently denied.
M23/AFC says its armed struggle is aimed at addressing what it describes as corruption, xenophobia and discrimination within the Congolese leadership. Since early 2025, M23/AFC has intensified its offensive in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, capturing several strategic towns and heightening fears that the conflict could escalate into a broader regional crisis-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
